Southern Ute veteran and elder, Dewitte Baker was recognized in Southern Ute Tribal Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 16 for his dedication to health and wellness.

For the past 20 years Baker has been representing the tribe by carrying the Southern Ute tribal flag during the annual Walking Together for Healthier Nations event. The Tribal Health Department and Tribal Council thanked Baker for participating in the annual walk, which consists of participants walking from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah and meeting at the Four Corners Monument in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles among all Native nations.

“We recognize Baker for giving his time to life, wellness and health,” Chairman Clement J. Frost said acknowledging Baker’s dedication.

Vice Chairman Alex S. Cloud thanked Baker for being a role model and inspiration to the youth and to those who struggle with health issues.

“Your dedication and strength means a lot to us that have these ailments … it gives us strength,” he said. “You are an inspiration to the youth who look at you as a role model.”

Former Shining Mountain Health and Wellness Director, Deanna Frost was also in attendance to thank Baker for his dedication and for making the grueling 19-mile walk each year.

Baker closed out the meeting thanking the tribe for the recognition. He said he hopes to complete his own challenge of walking across the entire length of the Southern Ute Reservation. Baker said he’ll be training for that next, but isn’t quite sure when he will make that a reality.

“I want to thank Tribal Council, the tribe and the membership for allowing me to walk for them,” he said.