Essay On Ute Indian Culture

The stories of Native Americans throughout history has not always ended pleasant, but instead having military clashes against the United States such as Little Big Horn and Wounded Knee trying to protect their way of life. During the ninetieth and twentieth century the Ute people of Colorado were forced to leave their homes and move on to reservations ultimately affecting their cultural identity. Some of the issues Ute Indians faced was the lost of language, protecting their traditions and assimilating to American culture. Today, the Ute Indians are battling over mineral rights on their land and the alcohol epidemic, which plagued many Native Americans in modern day society. The history of the Ute Indians gives them a unique identity compare to the other Great Basin Tribes. The Ute Indians are one of the oldest residents of Colorado along side the Arapahoe and Cheyenne Indians. The Utes refer themselves as “Nauche” meaning “The People”. The areas where the Ute Indians called home were the vast mountain, desert and the high plains regions. Many of the Southwest Indian Tribes are related linguistically. The Utes language is part of the Southern Numic branches and connected to Uto-Aztecan language. Other key aspect of the Ute culture is the extended family unit, which held great social and political significance. The …show more content…
One tribe who faced many these injustices was the Ute Indians of Colorado. Many policies forced the Utes to abandon their home and move onto a reservation and overall affecting their cultural traditions. In modern day society the Ute Indian Tribes have started to combat substance abuse that overwhelmed many Native American communities in North America. In the end, the Ute Indians is a strong, durable and self-sufficient tribe and always looking ahead for a better