The Ute People in the Surface Creek Valley

388 S. Grand Mesa Dr,Cedaredge CO 81413

23 June, 2022

Description

The Ute People, or Nuche, have lived in Colorado for at least 1,000 years. Once comprised of seven bands, the history of the Ute People goes back generations throughout Colorado, Utah, and parts of New Mexico, Arizona, and Wyoming. From the plains to the Rocky Mountains, the Nuche established an incredible way of life and a beautiful connection to the landscape, which shaped their language, dances, ceremonies, and culture. This territory included what is now the Surface Creek Valley, and evidence of the Nuche’s population of the valley which we call home can be seen throughout the area, in the Gunnison Gorge, through the Grand Mesa, and everywhere in between! Although their lives changed dramatically in the 1800s, the Blue Sky People are Colorado’s oldest continuous residents, and are still here, with their three tribes carrying on their traditions to this day. Join us, to not only learn about the incredible Ute People, but also to see what we can do, today, to respect and preserve the prehistoric and historic culture of the Nuche. Pioneer Town Talks takes place every Thursday evening at Pioneer Town and is FREE for all Surface Creek Valley Historical Society Members. There is a nominal fee for non-members. You can join the SCVHS here.