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Utes
Land:
The Ute people came from the north to become the oldest residents of Colorado. They occupied Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. The climate and environment of this area was desolate and this led to the Utes being one of the final Native American groups to live without European interference. It is not known exactly when or why the Utes moved into the United States but evidence suggests that they arrived from along the Rocky Mountains. The Utes were surrounded by other Indian groups which affected where travelled to find food. Some of the groups that surrounded them were the Apache, Cheyenne, Navajo, and Bannock.
Traditions:
The Ute are probably best known for their many traditional tribal dances, but the Sundance Ceremony is the dance that stands out as one of the most important events in the Ute tradition. Although the ceremony has changed some in the last century, the importance is still very strong. Dancers go without food and liquids for four days. There are very powerful spiritual aspects of this ceremony. With the concept of the family participation, the Sundance Ceremony became a source of spiritual rejuvenation for the whole people.
History:
The Utes way of life changed when the Spaniards colonized New Mexico.
Additional Reading
Ute
Ute Language
Colorado Indian Tribes
New Mexico Indian Tribes
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