A tribal leader in Colorado is pushing for a constitutional amendment to address child sexual abuse cases affecting Indigenous youth
Durango: The head of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Melvin J. Baker, is calling on Colorado lawmakers to support a constitutional amendment. This amendment aims to address long-standing cases of child sexual abuse.
Last year, a similar amendment was voted down along party lines. But now, Democratic lawmakers are ready to bring it back for another shot.
Baker highlighted the urgent need for this amendment, noting that Indigenous children face sexual abuse rates three to four times higher than their peers. He emphasized that this issue has affected Indigenous youth for generations.
According to the National Children’s Alliance, American Indian and Alaska Native children experience the highest rates of abuse in the country. Baker pointed out that over 1,000 cases are linked to Native American boarding schools, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s, which are now beyond the statute of limitations.
“Colorado should not be a safe haven for child abusers,” Baker stated. He urged lawmakers to pass the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment to help end the trauma faced by Native children.
Baker leads one of Colorado’s two federally recognized tribes, with the other being the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, led by Manuel Heart. Both leaders spoke about their positive relationships with the state government and areas for improvement.
In addition to the amendment, Baker asked for support for Senate Bill 9, which would recognize tribal courts’ arrest warrants. Heart also called for strengthening the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs.
The leaders also touched on ongoing issues like drought in the Colorado River basin and housing challenges.
This year, the proposed child sexual abuse amendment will be carried by Democratic Senators Jessie Danielson and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, along with Rep. Monica Duran. It will mirror the language of last year’s amendment that was blocked by Republicans.
If passed, this amendment would allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims, regardless of when the abuse occurred. A similar law was passed in 2021 but was later deemed unconstitutional by the Colorado Supreme Court.
Baker believes this law would empower survivors to confront their abusers in court. To get the amendment to voters, a two-thirds majority in the legislature is required, followed by a 55% approval from voters.
Last year, Senate Republicans opposed the amendment, fearing it would lead to a surge of lawsuits over old allegations. Even with a Democratic majority, support from at least one Republican in both the Senate and House is crucial.
Michaelson Jenet mentioned that they haven’t secured any Republican backing yet but are hopeful, especially with new members in the minority caucus. She sees this amendment as a critical need for Colorado.
“It’s very exciting,” she said. “We can’t wait another year.”
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