James Toledo appointed deputy director of Utah Division of Indian Affairs

PRESS RELEASEApril 4, 2025From: Utah Division of Indian AffairsContact: Ellen Weist, Public Information Officer; text: 503-490-4806 The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement announces the appointment of James Toledo as deputy director for the Utah Division of Indian Affairs. Toledo has been serving as a program manager for the division, where he has been instrumental in fostering relationships between …

Utah American Indian Day On The Hill: A Day of Impact

Written by Tracie Yellowman Tso, Intern, Utah Division of Indian AffairsPhotos by Kevin Edwards, Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement What an incredible day as we held our 2025 Utah American Indian Day on the Hill on Feb. 6 in the rotunda of the Utah State Capitol! We were honored to host an inspiring community event. James Toledo opened …

Utah American Indian Day On The Hill

The Utah Division of Indian Affairs welcomes everyone to this year’s Utah American Indian Day on the Hill. The event will be on Thurs., Feb. 6, in the Utah State Capitol Rotunda from 4 p.m. to 5:30 pm. Activities include an exhibitor stroll, a short program with cultural performances, speakers, a brief “Legislative 101” presentation, and light refreshments. Exhibitors will …

Reconnecting through Art: Lauana Morris’s Journey of Healing, Heritage, and Resilience

Written by Tracie Yellowman Tso | Photo contributions from Lauana Morris Lauana Morris is a Ute Mountain Ute mixed-media artist born and raised in White Mesa. Her artistic expressions are deeply inspired by her late grandmother, Nedra Ketchum, a renowned basketmaker from Allen Canyon, whose legacy continues to guide and influence her work. Lauana’s creative journey began with digital artwork, …

Honoring the resiliency of Native American Veterans

Written by Tracie Yellowman Tso | Photo contributions from Charlotte Morris As we approach the end of 2024, November serves as a time to reflect on and celebrate the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples across the United States, as well as to honor the invaluable contributions of Native American veterans. Throughout history, Native American service members have demonstrated …

UDIA travels to southeast Utah to host Indigenous Day

Written by Rozanna Benally-Sagg | Photographs by Katelyn Yellowman The Utah Division of Indian Affairs traveled to southeast Utah to hold its annual Indigenous Day event. In collaboration with Utah State University Blanding, a social pow wow was held in Blanding on Nov. 2 at 4-8 pm. The emcee, Taylor “Cheii” Begay, a former student at USU Blanding, welcomed dancers …