DeAnne House was sworn in as Ute Mountain tribal councilwoman Friday in Towaoc.
“I will make decisions based on membership needs,” House said in a speech after taking her seat on the council. “From the youngest to the oldest, I will work for the people so we can all prosper.”
House holds two college degrees, one in geology from the University of Colorado, and one in psychology. She is related to longtime leader Ernest House Sr., and Chief Jack House, the tribe’s last traditional chief.
This is House’s second term, and she was previously in the finance department. She makes up a female majority on the council with Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk, Juanita Plentyholes, and Priscilla Blackhawk Rentz.
A round of speeches, some in Ute, by council members and Chairman Manuel Heart revealed the political climate for the 2,100-strong tribe.
“With all of our degrees, this is the most educated council in a long time,” said councilman Gary Hayes. “We need it to protect our rights at the local, state, and federal level.”
Educating outsiders is an ongoing challenge, Hayes said.
“Senator Udall was a strong advocate for Indian Country. Now we need to educate a new U.S. Senator on our tribe and Native Americans issues in general,” he said.
Heart said the council is working well together.
“We have vision in our hearts and minds,” he said.
But to preserve Ute Mountain land, water, and treaties, he said, the tribe needs more of its members to go to law school.
“We need tribal members to become lawyers, to advocate for our rights into the future,” he said.
CU law students were invited for the ceremony, which included ritual blessings and a performance by the Shining Mountain drum group.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” said Liam Culhane, a third-year law student. “We’re fascinated to learn how tribal government works and really appreciate how the Ute language is incorporated into the proceedings.”
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com