Deseret News | Reader comments: Former Ute financial adviser has been banned from tribe's lands

Reader comments
Former Ute financial adviser has been banned from tribe's lands

susan hammer | 1:08 p.m. June 25, 2008

its about time, golly gee!

ebear | 7:02 p.m. June 25, 2008

And since the new Business Committee has taken over what has occurred to the Tribe's funding and payments to their members? Why the dramatic drop?

Shurley Ashamed | 8:02 p.m. June 25, 2008

It's to bad I have to be a member of this tribe whose leaders practices double standards (hypercrites) Isn't that great for everyone else but the tribe. As for the Ute Tribe council they are stating wrong accusations and are telling lies upon lies to their own people, and embarrasing us in front of other tribes, other nations. They must be really scared of something to go this far, I sure hope they have enough man power to watch the roads for the Furious John Jurrius. Curtis Cesspooch is a liar, and for him to write this and allow leeze whiting to post this & is unfair to those who are not allowed to post the positive, which . Besides where was all this attention from lezlee & others when we were broke, and when everything is all said & done I hope the ute people will line up at each of one of these peoples door, including lezlee's, to have them pay for their bill/food/etc. Because it wasnt any of them that empowered us, it was MR. JURRIUS

Comments continue below

All in all.... | 8:22 p.m. June 25, 2008

greed is the name of the game here. I wonder what's coming up next? The Ute Plaza grocery store going backrupt? I can see it happening...

survial | 11:12 p.m. June 25, 2008

It's about living in a non indian world and having to keep up with the future. An if having money to survive is so wrong. Then you tell me how you live? with hand outs from the government, or oil and gas checks. Well alot of us here don't get those things, and if the tribe says they are soverign, well they are wrong when you depend on goverment hand outs.

Susan Hammer | 2:34 p.m. June 26, 2008

I am not sure who the previous "Susan Hammer" comment came from, but it was not from this Susan Hammer that proudly worked with and for John Jurrius for over 10 years! I am proud of the successes that were achieved by the Ute Tribe during our years of service. The current Council has clearly demostrated their personal vendetta against John, but we all know that right and truth will win in the end.

Ritz G | 11:28 a.m. June 27, 2008

Banned Financial Advisor. "The Shriff is back in town and his name is "John"

Northern Ute Tribal Council held their quarterly meeting June 26, 2008. Their agenda was John Jurrius Financial Advisor to the Membership of the Ute Indian Tribe, again discrediting John and the past tribal council, they live, breath day and night on how they are going to destroy them, with lie's using the local news media to pass propaganda, and destroying our tribe financially, and economically. That is how Curtis and his group got into office with lies thru the news media. John and the past tribal council made the Ute Indian Tribe Rich. Curtis and his bunch are threatened by John because the Ute people are supporting John and behind him one hundred percent. The sadist part of this is how just a handful of tribal members and their choice of tribal council can destroy a tribe for their own selfish greed and $$$$.

Humili8d | 2:10 p.m. June 27, 2008

What embarrasment to see the current Ute tribe BC(curtis, irene, francis, ron, steven, phil along w/lezlee w.) carry out there personal hatred for Mr. Jurrius in the media & other places. Mr Jurrius worked SUCCESSFULLY w/S.Ute tribe to help make them become financially independent. Which he was HIRED to do for the N.Ute tribe bcuz when Jurrius came to the N.Ute tribe(early 2000's) the N.Utes couldnt even afford a pot to piss in. Which at that time caused a financial burdon on the local govt entities. Yeah it is about living in a non indian world unfortunately it takes money to survive for all people of color so what would you rather see independence from govt handouts or dependency. I would rather see independence & that is what Mr. Jurrius was on the road to do for N.Utes but like everything else the utes do they ruin it for themselves & this current bc is very good @ tearing things apart after all you have 3 that have been on council b4 & did the same thing back then, destroyed all that was good. To you Mr. Jurrius go & make $$$ for someone else cuz UTES DONT DESERVE IT

Kan u say pleaz. | 6:26 p.m. June 27, 2008

This article can be added to the vindictive propoganda against John Jurrius........which ALL OF IT IS LIES!!!!! Don't you know there is a God who watches you and the Angels of God write down everything you say and do?!! Obviously not!! You will be judged according to how you treated your neighbor, and fellow man! And you and your friends who are running the tribal government better start doing righteousness or you will fall into the hands of a Mighty God!! He is on our side!!! "If God be for us, who can be against us"!!!! Praise Jesus.

KinzeyJ | 8:53 p.m. June 27, 2008

First off, I'd like to say Hello to our friends John Jurrius and Susan Hammer! We miss you both and miss the progress that you both brought to the Ute Reservation!! You are both dear to our hearts! We know the intentions that you had toward this Tribe was good and right. I'm sorry there are wicked people whose desire is to see you guys gone, and off this rez so they can steal, and destroy this Tribe. I want to give an OFFICIAL "THANK YOU" from me and my family for all the hard work you've done!! The Ute Tribe can afford to give its people a dividend because of you!!! Thanks! Thanks for taking care of the elders first, without that money, who knows how they would live? They live better because God Blessed you with the brains and ability. Also, some of my close friends who are Southern Ute appreciate the money they recieve from their Tribe.......very much!! Thanks for doing everything for the Ute People and being a honest man in the process! I just wish the people were more thankful......and peaceful. But God Bless you John n Susan in all your endeavors!! Luv U.

Mary | 12:15 a.m. June 28, 2008

"you shall know them by their works" It blows my mind 2 c the ute people vote in a former director of ute housing. It was during his term as housing director that the HUD grant was stripped from the Ute people due to noncompliance which stripped the ute people of their opportunity of homeownership! If he couldn't manage a small program like that, Y n the world would the people put him in charge of a whole tribe, managing billions of dollars? Jurrius had the fianancial experience needed to provide financial security for this tribe. He's worked for the corporate world and knows what tribes can do to be financially stable....how in the world does irene, curtis, steve, francis, ron expect to prosper the tribe when they've NEVER had that type of training or experience??? They were in charge b4 and why couldn't they do for the tribe then what jurrius did in the little amt of time he was financial advisor? This is exactly y tribes fail 2 thrive; they try 2 keep it ndn when NONE of the ndns have the experience, education, or character to manage theirself or homes, much less a tribe.....

Jim M | 8:04 a.m. June 28, 2008

If you people only knew how much John and Susan and the rest of the Jurious group cared for the Indian people you would be begging them to come back. I am begging them to forget about you, you do not deserve their help. They do not and have never needed money. Sure they make good money because they earn it. You people complain because The group makes 62k a month. They were making you MILLIONS. I think you need a calculator. The people that are running the tribe are only concerned with themselves. Since John and Susan have left the tribe I have never heard them say anything about themselves. All they worry about is if the tribe will be ok. I don't hope the tribe wakes up and see's how bad they screwed up. I hope John and Susan wake up and realize you can not help someone that don't want to help themselves.

On The Record | 10:32 a.m. June 28, 2008

I will say On The Record this is an conspiracy to discredit John and his collegues. Leslie Whiting, Ron,Luke,Sandy Hansen,Robert Thompson(co-author)Section 1813 have tryed to succeed in distroying the Ute Indian Tribe. Thru propanganda newa articles, Audits and the present Business Committee. Leslie Whiting is anti-Ute Indian Tribe, she has not written anything positive. Ron and Luke have not won any of their court cases filed against the tribe. This nation will succeed with the right people in the Council. It's time for the Ute People to stand up for what they want economic and financial independances. Like their sister tribe with a net worth of 6.1 Billion. A foundation which John had built. This goes for the ex-council voice your opinion.

Girl-who-loves-the-Utes | 11:03 a.m. June 29, 2008

You know, we let this small group of tribal members take over the tribe......why?! There is a famous quote from Abraham Lincoln from the 1860's that describes them...."The question is whether in a free government the minority have the right to break up a government whenever they choose." We let this small group of greedy, ridiculous people cause division in the Tribe, we let them tell their lies. We should have spoke up in the beginning and said, No you sit down and be quiet!! Your not speaking the truth!! Because this situation is out of control! It will be up to the Ute people to tell them, enough is enough!! Next election, we need to vote for our future, or we will have NO future!! Silent majority--you better wake up soon before its too late!! Remember the referdums still stands---where 976 members voted in both the Financial Plan and John Jurrius support referendums, and only 151 opposed both referedums. Don't tell ME that Curtis' small group of troublemakers represents what the Ute Indian Tribe wants....those numbers are plain ridiculous and proof of what the Ute People want!!Don't let these people like Lezlee Whiting fool you.

Joe Bergen | 8:35 p.m. June 29, 2008

After reading the comments on your financial advisor, it appears to me that the new Business Committee took the right action. After looking up the last audit report that was submitted to the "Federal Clearing House", it appears that someone must take charge and get the Tribe's audits up to date. The last one filed with the Clearing House was June 2002 for the audit year of 2000. The new Business Committee has taken their fudiciary responsibilies to heart and got rid of someone who is taking them to the cleaners. Why am I commenting? Because of the fact that we,Tribal Nations, are being taken advantage of by individuals who are helping themselves and not individual Tribes. I'm Native and have been in finance for over 35 years as CFO's for Nations that have been having financial difficulities. Thanks for the vision of the "new" Business Committee and taking their fudiciary responsibilities and ethics seriously, I wish that more Tribal Council's had enough nerve to call a spade a spade. Respectfully Submitted.

KinseyJ | 10:50 p.m. June 29, 2008

This is in response to the man up above me......Sir, the Tribe has an audit every year, and maybe not thruough Clearing House anymore, they have two separate Auditing firms including the Federal Government! So, just cause you think you know whats going on, think again! There has never been a person who has made millions and millions of dollars for the Ute Tribe other than John Jurrius! This man John Jurrius, you think you know him, is a man who has a clean background and no one has EVER found ANYTHING on him! So, unless you want a few hundred people barking up your tree......I suggest hush! You speak for "Tribal Nations" but you cannot speak for this Ute Tribe.......get your facts before you go to battle! Its true, many non-indian people love to rip off native tribes but John Jurrius cares for the Indian People......He's one in a million. He's one of the few non-white who actually want to do the Ute Tribal people good. Just take a look at the Southern Utes----He made them multi-Billionaires!! Can you say that about yourself? It aint our fault if you like to stero-type people....... you don't know Jurrius.

Bruce LaPointe | 6:25 p.m. July 16, 2008

How do I get in touch with John?

I have worked for Tribal Housing for more than 26 Years and am interested in helping him help tribes.

Martha | 10:02 a.m. July 21, 2008

Kinsey Jenks is not a tribal member of the Ute Indian Tribe. Her comments are very nagative and unthruthful. She is sappose to be a strong believer in God and is only to preach good. Remember you are being judged from our supreme being above. Stand back and observe from a distance and keep your opinion to youself. You are a visitor. People who don't agree with you could petition you off this reservation! People the past BC took advantage of first hand information to form their own companies, like Smiley, Frank and Stewart, Who could be more dishonest than the three amigos! So look who's sitting pretty now? The new enrollees are taking advantage of the farm monies and looking down on full bloods, because of the cattle and etc. they purchased. WHO's money bought these for them? Juirrius is not god sent from heaven. He onlymoved money areund to make you think he made money for us.
We would have received these monies anyway with out his help. Wake up and smell the roses. If he was so smart, why was he going around the country asking different investors questions. IF YOU PEOPLE ONLY KNEW WHAT I KNOW.

Concerned | 9:52 a.m. July 22, 2008

Reading the comments of poeple that support Mr. Jurrius is mind bogling. How can such a person distort the weak by claiming he has made millions for the Ute Indian Tribe. With the resorces the tribe has they would have made millions anyway with out Mr. Jurrius. Come on people and wake up to reality. Your had previous council men use first hand information to start thier own business. The Smiley and Frank Arrowchis and Mr. Pike. They have lined thier own pockets, thanks to tribal resources.
Mr. Pike nearly drove the tribe into poverty with his non-sense projects that only went to his own family. His son has never gone to college and he is currenty employed with Ute Energy making mega bucks, what and embbarrasment. His daughter is not Ute she is white and an enrolled member of the tribe. They sure take advantage of the tribes farm program, along with those that are newly enrolled. They claim land that is not thiers it's only a land assignment and they take more than thier share. They leave the poor full bloods with nothing. It's all about money and greed. Why can't we all work together and be proud?

The proof is in the pudding | 12:10 p.m. July 22, 2008

Reading the comments posted here is just like reading the results of the two largest referendum votes in this tribes history, 10 to 1 in favor of Mr. Jurrius and the financial plan. To anyone outside of this mess the current Business Committee has gotten us into, remember one thing "facts are stubborn things". No matter what the current BC and their mindless cronies do to twist the facts, they remain the same. When Mr. Jurrius arrived here the Utes had one month of reserves in the bank, the people were receiving $98.00 per month and we were being taken advantage of by every tom, dick and harry. Before he was unlawfully released as the tribes financial adviser last year; the tribe's budget had increased 3 fold and we still had four years of reserves, the people were receiving $907.00 per month, we were receiving millions of dollars annually in through-put fees and we had our own energy company that had participated in 75 wells on the reservation. After his removal; dividends are down by $250.00 per month, no investments have been made and the outside world is laughing at your so called leaders! Come back John!

Comment to the above | 8:42 a.m. July 23, 2008

WE have never received $98.00 a month it was $125.00 and then $907.00 only to find out that Mr. Jurrius had borrowed money to make these payments to the membership, and this was only to make himself look good. Yes the people did vote for the financial plan only in TRUST of mr. Jurrius. He turned out to be a common theif. So if he is such a wealthy tycoon, why is he trying to get back to the UTES? Other tribes don't want him. He says they do, I know Councilmen from the tribes around us and they don't like him either. Give it up and get on with your life Mr. Jurrius and leave the tribes alone. I am sure they will find someone more honest than you!

Oh My Gosh!!! | 11:04 p.m. July 23, 2008

My, my, my, I laugh at you---Martha, Concerned, and Comment to the above, you're the same person!!! I can't believe you live among us in society with your so-called truths!!! You can even get your facts straight!! hahaha!! You look like a fool!! You think the Tribe would've made millions with out John Jurrius? Ha! John was the one who set up all the partnerships with Oil Companies ON BEHALF of the Tribe!!! You are doing an Audit and YOU FOUND NOTHING ON JURRIUS!!! YOU LIAR!!! You've tried everything in your book, including witchcraft!!! And you should know by now, GOD IS GREATER!!!! We trust in Him and Him alone!!! I will stand against the lies that are trying to engulf the Ute people, just like the prophets in old testament times!! They warned the people of falling into snares of evil people!! AND since you don't speak the truth---WHO is your god??? Tell me who you serve, sister! If Lezlee Whiting and Sandy Hansen both non-tribal can tear down the Tribe with their propoganda, then surely you can stand a little truth from me!!! If I'm silent then YOUR LIES will DECIEVE your own people!! They deserve the facts!!!

Child of God~~ | 11:31 p.m. July 23, 2008

So, Matha you were never going broke in 2001? When the Tribe was furloughing emplyees? Oh I get it, it was all for fun!! Come on---let's get real people. You had a month of Tribal funds left for to run the government after your leaders got done with the Ute Tribe.......there are certain traits that follow you and your mentors......um, lies!! What does God say about liars? Um, lets see----Your will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth? You don't even know how to live for "our" or MY Supreme Being!! How are you going to be judged? I, on the other hand---am a conceited and proud Child of God!! I don't want to argue with someone of no understanding......

The proof is in the pudding | 2:41 p.m. July 24, 2008

To put it simply, everything that Mr. Jurrius has touched while working in Indian country has turned to gold. Instead of calling him a thief, you may want to consider calling him "Midas". The negative comments about Mr. Jurrius posted here come purely from jealousy and ignorance. Every detail of the financial standing of the tribe was made better with his expertise and guidance; to deny that is just plain wrong. I know that some hope to damage Mr. Jurrius' reputation by continuing to tell lies, but the truth is; you are now being exposed for the fools that you are. Anyone reading these comments can see that Mr. Jurrius still has the overwhelming support of the membership here on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. As for the dividend comment above, I received $98.00 per month, then $125.00 per month and then after Mr. Jurrius/Midas came here, it went up to $907.00 per month. All of this when oil was at $60.00 per barrel, now it's $140.00 a barrel and our dividends have gone down by $250.00 a month. The only thing keeping us alive are the the commodity prices. Our dividends would be $2,000.00 a month with Johns help!

For The Record | 11:57 p.m. July 26, 2008

The new Business Committee have not made any new investments. They have been called on the carpet to produce their evidence that John had stole from the tribe. Their audits and attorneys have not done so and they continue to hire nore auditors and attorneys. John's earning have been grossly incorrectly quoted by the media. He was on a yearly salary and had the right to participate in any investment he made. His percentage was up to 15%. If, he put up his share (money) of the investment. He wrote a check for his share. He never recieved any of the tribe's Oil & Gas Royalities, 504, 505, 506 or any other funds. If, he did where is the evidence ? The news media have been very unfair to the tribe and Mr. John Jurrius. Everything said and reported has been propaganda to discredit the tribe and Jphn Jurrius. Wake up people.

GREED | 3:30 p.m. July 29, 2008

So you do admit that Mr. Juriuss made money from the tribes? So what else is new? You blame everything on this new council that you are blinded with envy. That's it, you people are so envious. You continue to distort the truth. People would tell you the truth and you would you would not listen. You people do not have traditional values. Money is everthing to you, you have no respect for anyone but your own greed!! Shame on you, and shame on your mother for teaching you not to have respect for anyone. Money is everthing to you!!!!! What happend to family and helping others? What happened to prayers for others?
What happend to family unity? What happened to say hello, and how are you? What happend to shake an others hand, that you glad to see them? What happened to YOU?????

R U Sure? | 6:46 p.m. July 29, 2008

Nothing has happened to me. Person above me, you do have a point, the Ute people are divided over HOW the government should be run, and HOW the Financial Plan should run. But you are missing the point---which is the Financial Plan worked!! You are recieving a huge dividend every month! Because of the investments that John Jurrius did on behalf of the Ute Tribe! Understand that? But you all think Jurrius did not make money for the Utes, which is a lie! Did you think the U.S. Government gave you that free money? Did you know it takes 4.4 million A MONTH to pay the all the Tribal members their monthly dividend? We cry foul, because this Council did everything in their power to tear apart the Financial Plan and even the author of it--John Jurrius. Even went as far as accusing the past Council of Mismanagement of funds wich is one of the many lies. Do I have to make a list of all horrible things you said about the past leaders? and John Jurrius? If you followed the Financial Plan the way it was written and made money FOR YOUR PEOPLE, we could care less! Understand?

Comment | 2:46 p.m. July 30, 2008

R U Sure? You people need to grow-up. Why do you continue to assult one another over one human being? How could you put someone upon a pedelstal so high that you don't have any regard for your own people. This financial plan, anyone with an accounting degree could have written one. It sounds to me, you put him before your creator.

N.Ute member | 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5, 2008

Its sad that your opinion is to discredit people that are actually telling the truth. Kinsey I totally agree with you!!! What I can't understand is my people; the Northern Utes and our Business Committee what a joke, how can they say that we had all this money all along. If this is so why didn't the so called Business Committee find this money. Hmmm! I guess it took John Juriuss a more intellect individual to find this so called money. Now I understand Martha and other tribal members that your followers of our so called Business Committee what you are all about..No sense...
And Kinsey continue to voice your opinion their are some of us that will stand beside you, you are not alone.. Petition or No Petition!!!

Sweet Bitterness | 3:21 p.m. Aug. 5, 2008

Comment to the above, you really must have been burned to be so hateful. I read your comments and you seem so judgemental towards the Business Committee. It really must have hurt for some kind of rejection. Continue to be so hateful. That is not the traits of Native Americans. You are the joke to be so resentful. You have no traditional beliefs at all. Yes I am a follower of the present Business COmmittee and proud to say they are more honest than the past Council. Look at all the people that were placed in positions with high salaries and just maybe you are one of them. You probably have no college degree or may even be a drop out with your knowledge and choice of words. Do have any morals? If Mr. Jurrius was such a financial whiz, why is he not on FORTUNE Magazine???? Why do you not understand that the Ute Indian Tribe had already had these resources. It did not come from Mr. Jurrius's ground. Kinsey get off your high horse and leave our reservation!!!!!! Read the financial plan. It states in there, monies would FLUCTUATE......Go UP go DOWN

Anonymous | 10:24 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

To Sweet Bitterness; I agree with the N. Ute member's comments. I see no hateful comments just true statements. I think your the one that is burned and resentful because the N.Ute member
doesn't agree with your so called business committee's actions.
And what do traditional beliefs have in disagreeing with someone? I think a person is allowed their opinion. It doesn't have anything to do with how educated someone is...
And who is the hateful one wanting Kinsey to be removed from "our" reservation. I think your happy now and agree with this present B.C. cause maybe your receiving monies from the B.C. that otherwise you never received. Whose the Hypocrite Now!!!
And Yeah it was stated that the financial plan would fluctuate but not take a nose dive down and keep going down............
Keep cheering your B.C. on until were broke and keep in mind always have a nice day.............

Sweet Bitterness | 8:25 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

I am not a hypcrite. I only beleive in what is the truth and the statements you say are true because you wrote them. You are not an open minded person you only beleive one way. Traditional values have alot to do with with the way you choose to live your life and the way you think. You open your mind to all aspects of the way you learn, how you communicate with others, your morals and beliefs. Are you a full blodded Ute? If you are, you would understand..
Money is not everthing because that is all you people talk about. Open up you mind, listen and learn.

Tribe Member | 3:57 p.m. Dec. 18, 2008

In today's news you see men like Jurrius and Madoff claimed to make money for their clients, friends, and others. Their have a LOW DISCLOSURE on how the funds are run, manage, and cost of the funds. And the funds they run are worthless because the fund account have no or little money in them.

I'm feel more secured about how the Tribe Business Committee is moving. We must see how the funds of the tribe are being handed with audits and reports. The Business Committee is auditing the past deals of Jurrius with forensic accountants, certified fraud examiners and investigators. And was advised to being a law suit against Jurrius for fraud.

I say that if tribe was under the Jurrius Plan today. The members of the tribe would have $0.00 dividends. Dividends are base on money the tribe has in the bank. The more the tribe has to spend to cover its cost for government and things it owns. The less it has to give to members dividends.So when members and non-members steal from the tribe. It effect the Dividends Checks.

The Business Committee gave a solid number on the Tribe's profit's of 2008.

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