The first female chairwoman to serve on the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, Pearl E. Casias recently completed her fourth term, but she still collaborates with the Ignacio community and tribal elders on numerous projects. She is currently working on updating the Ute dictionary, constructing the Colorado Department of Education’s Ute curriculum, mapping Southern Ute lineage and sharing her culture and traditional values with those who are interested. “I like to be involved,” Casias said. “Most of the involvement I get is with the tribe.” She also serves as a board member for Pathkeepers for Indigenous Knowledge, the Fort Lewis College Fundraising Foundation, Indigena Capital and the Ignacio Community Library.