Colorado tribes seek representation on state wildlife commission
Ute leaders say dedicated tribal seats would strengthen wildlife management and government-to-government collaboration
Leaders of Colorado's two federally recognized tribes are calling for representation on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission, saying tribal voices should help guide decisions affecting wildlife and ancestral lands, according to reporting from The Colorado Sun. During the commission's first meeting on tribal land, Southern Ute Tribal Council member Andrew Gallegos and Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Selwyn Whiteskunk said no tribal member has ever served on the 13-member commission despite longstanding cooperative wildlife management agreements with the state.
Gov. Jared Polis's office said Gallegos was a finalist for a commission seat but was not appointed, according to The Colorado Sun reporting. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said creating dedicated tribal seats would require a change to state law, although tribal members could be appointed to existing positions. The commission oversees an agency with a $365 million budget and management authority for wildlife across Colorado.
- 1.Tracy Ross. There’s never been a Native American on Colorado’s wildlife commission. State tribes want that changed. The Colorado Sun, .
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