Ernest House Sr. facts for kids

Ernest House Sr. (born September 27, 1945 – died September 17, 2011) was an important leader of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. He served as the chairman of the tribe for four terms, from 1982 to 2010. He worked hard to improve life for his community and other Native American people.

Ernest House Sr.'s Life Story

Growing Up and Early Work

Ernest House was born on September 27, 1945, in Mancos Canyon, Colorado. His parents were Thomas House Sr. and Francis Marie Wall. He was a member of the Weeminuche Band of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Ernest was the grandson of Chief Jack House, who was the last traditional chief of the Ute Mountain Ute. He grew up in Mancos Canyon in southwestern Colorado.

Ernest House served in the Colorado Army National Guard as part of the Special Forces Airborne Group. During his career, he also worked for the National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Leading the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

Ernest House worked for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for over fifty years. More than thirty of those years were spent in tribal politics. In 1979, he was elected to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council. Then, in 1982, he was elected chairman of the tribe for the first time.

He was elected chairman for four terms, each lasting four years, between 1982 and 2010. His last term as chairman ended in 2010. While he was chairman, Ernest House also led the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Business and Enterprise. He was a strong supporter of Native American businesses and encouraged people to start their own companies.

Ernest House worked to improve public safety programs and healthcare facilities for Native Americans. He focused on these improvements in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. He also spoke before the United States Congress about important water projects, like the Animas-La Plata Water Project and the Dolores Project.

Between 2005 and 2010, Ernest House greatly increased public security for the tribe. He helped grow the Ute Mountain Ute tribal police force from just two officers to more than twelve. He also worked with U.S. Representative Scott Tipton to honor his grandfather, Chief Jack House, in the United States House of Representatives.

Passing Away

Ernest House was in a serious motorcycle accident near Cortez, Colorado, on September 17, 2011. He was returning from a motorcycle event when the accident happened. He was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, New Mexico. Ernest House passed away later that day from his injuries. He was 65 years old.

He was survived by his three children: Michelle House, Jaque House-Lopez, and Ernest House Jr. He was also survived by his father, Thomas House Sr., and five grandchildren. Ernest House lived in McElmo Canyon, Colorado.

Troy Eid, who worked for the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, said that "Indian Country has lost a brilliant, courageous and inspired leader." A traditional Ute memorial and funeral service were held in Towaoc, Colorado. He was buried in Towaoc Cemetery.