The older brother of the late Leonard C. Burch, the longtime chairman of the Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado, has been appointed to the council following a big leadership shakeup.

The emergency appointment of Anthony C. Burch was needed because four council members have resigned or quit in recent weeks. The tribe has scheduled three elections to replace former chairman Howard Richards, who resigned on November 23, and to fill other positions.

Other changes are on the way as well. The tribe is restructuring its Southern Ute Growth Fund, which pays dividends to tribal members. Some fear their payments will decrease.

Leonard C. Burch, who was chairman for more than 25 years, died in 2003. He was widely respected among Indian, state and federal leaders.

Get the Story:
Anthony Burch tapped to help lead Southern Ute tribe (The Durango Herald 12/11)
Changes on way for Southern Ute payouts (The Durango Herald 12/12)

Relevant Links:
Southern Ute Tribe - http://www.southern-ute.nsn.us

Related Stories:
Southern Ute Tribe sees leadership shakeup (12/6)