Lorelei Cloud, a member of the Southern Ute Tribe, is celebrated as a Hydro20 honoree for her trailblazing leadership in water rights and sustainable water management.

Rising from a community without reliable water access, Cloud became a powerful advocate for tribal sovereignty and indigenous voices in water governance.

As Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Tribal Council, she leveraged her role to champion tribal water rights, emphasizing the need for tribes to have a stronger, unified voice in advocating for their needs without accepting imposed solutions.

Cloud’s influence grew rapidly as she engaged in high-level water discussions, including representing the Southern Ute Tribe at the Colorado River Water Users Association conference and taking on the chairmanship of the Ten Tribes Partnership, a coalition of ten tribes in the Colorado River Basin. Her ability to navigate complex water policy and terminology allowed her to advocate effectively for tribal interests.

In a historic milestone, Cloud became the first Indigenous person to serve on the Colorado Water Conservation Board, later ascending to its chairmanship. In this role, she drives decisions that benefit not only tribal communities but all of Colorado, integrating Indigenous knowledge into water management practices.

As a board member for The Nature Conservancy in Colorado, Cloud champions sustainable practices, emphasizing collaboration with Native communities and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and spirituality to reconnect human and natural systems.

Lorelei Cloud’s dedication to amplifying Indigenous voices and advancing sustainable water practices has earned her a well-deserved place among the Hydro20 honorees.