[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4916]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO SUNSHINE CLOUD SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
honor the memory of Sunshine Cloud Smith of Mancos, Colorado for her 
lifetime of dedication to the Southern Ute Tribe. Sunshine was a 
leader, a veteran, a tribal councilor, a spiritual mentor, and a 
teacher to everyone who she touched in life. It is truly an honor to 
recognize her accomplishments before this body of Congress and this 
Nation.
  Sunshine was the granddaughter of Chief Ouray and a relative of Crazy 
Horse. As a leader, Sunshine was a visionary and opened many new doors 
and created wonderful opportunities for all women. She went to college 
at the University of New Mexico, and was married in 1940. Immediately 
thereafter, Sunshine served as a surgical technician in the United 
States Women's Army until 1945.
  Upon her return to the reservation in 1948, Sunshine was elected to 
the Tribal Council and served as vice chairman for sixteen years. Her 
dedication to the tribal council laid the foundation for the tribe's 
present success. Sunshine has received several awards in recognition of 
her leadership contributions to Colorado and the Southern Ute Tribe. In 
1989, Sunshine was recognized by the Governor of Colorado for her 
political and cultural contributions to the State. In 1999, Sunshine 
received the Western heritage Service Award from the Durango Pro Rodeo 
series. Moreover, she was a founding member of the Southern Ute 
Committee of Elders.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I pay tribute to the 
amazing life of Sunshine Cloud Smith before this body of Congress and 
this great Nation. Sunshine was a loving and caring mother and 
grandmother. She passed down many of the traditions and customs of the 
Southern Utes, and was a spiritual guide for all women of the tribe. 
Her accomplishments and contributions have truly made a difference. She 
will be missed by her family, friends and community.

                          ____________________