Southern Ute Academy Educational Excellence Southern Ute Indian Accademy, P.O. Box 737, 275 Mouache Circle, Ignacio, Colorado  81137  Phone 970-563-0224  Educational Excellence

Carol Olguin Acting Director  

What was true 15 years ago still holds true today. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe views education as a top priority. Having faced countless centuries with dedication, creativity and endurance -- overcoming tremendous obstacles by adaptation through learning, the Tribe will continue to face the future with the same resolve and sense of purpose as it has in the past. This concept is at the heart of the 1984 Tribal Council proclamation making "Excellence in Education" one of the tribal government's strongest commitments. The Southern Ute Education Department acknowledges its responsibility to fulfill that ever growing commitment, recognized that learning is a lifelong endeavor. In 1991, the Department added "Educational Excellence" to its already extensive arsenal of education assistance programs for Southern Ute Indian Tribal members. The program was to begin with third graders, cultivating their understanding of the tribal organization so that they could make educational choices that might lead them to a career with the Tribe. Achievement incentives, internships and scholarships were the hallmarks of this program. As it was implemented, it became clear that it meshed wonderfully with existing programs and could just as easily serve tribal members bound for careers outside the organization. We have witnessed Southern Ute Indian students making the connection between language skills and police work, between algebra and energy resource development...between school and career. The Department has concluded that Educational Excellence is broader in scope than the original plans for it. Indeed, it begins in the womb and lasts through the final day of life. Therefore Educational Excellence has become the Department's essential mission statement. Every single program within the Department shall stand under the Educational Excellence umbrella. Each program is vital to our mission. picture a painstakingly beaded medallion, handcrafted in the finest Southern Ute tradition. Buckskin and beads are brought together to make a complete work of art. The Southern Ute learner is like that. Given the tools and materials, every tribal member can achieve educational excellence.

Diane Olguin with Architect's rendering of classroom

Southern Ute Home

Chairman John E. Baker Jr. Greeting Southern Ute Academy Students in Council Chambers.