May 22, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 97 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ALDEN BURCH NARANJO, JR. TRIBUTE

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 2020

  Mr. TIPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Alden Burch Naranjo, 
Jr. of Ignacio, Colorado, a leader within the Southern Ute Tribe who 
recently passed away.
  Alden attended Ute Vocational School and later graduated from St. 
Catherine's Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After pursuing his 
education, Alden enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and 
served his country honorably. His service to others continued following 
the Vietnam War, when he transitioned into a career with the Southern 
Ute Tribe which spanned 40 years.
  Alden served as the Native American Graves Protection and 
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Coordinator, working to ensure federal laws 
protect Native American lineal descendants with respect to the 
treatment, repatriation, and disposition of Native American human 
remains and culturally important objects were implemented. He also 
served as a police officer, staffer for the Division of Wildlife, 
probation officer, and historian. He was also a member of Keepers of 
the Treasures--which predated NAGPRA--and a spiritual leader for tribal 
members. This role sent him around the world to educate people on 
Native American rights, spirituality, and culture.
  Alden also held the role of President of the Native American Church 
of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and the United States Chapters. 
In what free time he had, he was a traditional Sun dancer and took 
great pride in his Native American heritage. He will be sorely missed 
by his large extended family, the entire Southern Ute Tribe, and State 
of Colorado.
  Madam Speaker, Alden's death is a loss for not only the Southern Ute 
Tribe but for the entire State of Colorado, and all of us who value the 
rich culture and historical heritage he worked so passionately 
throughout his life to share. Alden's legacy will be remembered and 
live on for generations to come.

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