For the first time in its history, women make up the majority of leadership for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado.

Men held a majority on the council but that changed in the last election. Women now hold four of the seven seats, including the vice chair position.

“Today’s event shows that little girls could one day become president of the tribe,” Constance Wall, whose aunt was sworn into the council, told The Cortez Journal. “It could happen.”

Manuel Heart serves as chair. Juanita Plentyholes serves as vice chair.

“Men think in one direction,” Plentyholes told the paper. “Women are a little more cautious and sensitive.”

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Majority of women (The Cortez Journal 1/21)

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