Delta, Colorado [September 17-19 2004]

Over 100 years ago the Delta area was the homeland of the Ute Indian people. The 200 year old “Ute Council Tree,” an historical meeting place of the Ute Tribes, is still standing just across the Gunnison River from the current site of the Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival, in Confluence Park. The Arbor and Pow Wow grounds stand on the traditional winter camping grounds of the Ute people. 

The Council Tree Pow Wow is a yearly coming-home celebration for the Ute people, an opportunity for the Ute people to share their culture with other American Indians and the people of the world—hence the motto... “Experiencing Cultural Traditions!”

In 1992, the Delta City Council approved the project and the three Ute Tribes: Northern Ute, Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute, agreed to work with the City in the development of this cultural event. This was a very historic occasion. The three Ute Tribes had not worked together on any project since leaving the Delta area over 100 years earlier. The year 1999 saw a continuation of the coming together of the three Ute Tribes, as for the first time since leaving the Delta area, the three Tribal Councils had a joint meeting in Delta. The 1996 Pow Wow saw the beginning of the UteNation celebrating and sharing their culture with other Indian tribes as well as the non-Indian people in attendance. On the opening Friday of each year’s Pow Wow, the Ute Nation does a “Celebration of the Ute Nation Day.” Presentations are given on dancing, history, Ute traditions, sign language, beading and of course, everyone participates in the Ute Bear Dance. This presentation is free for the school children of all ages from around the region. As many as 5,000 children take part each year. 

An exciting line-up of activities, experiences and opportunities are planned for this year’s event, which takes place September 17-19, 2004 and opens with a Celebration of the Ute Nation. Indian Market vendors, 55 of the most accomplished American Indian Artisans, will be open all weekend. Experience Tipi Village tours, Gourd Dancing, the Grand Entry, and contests for dancing, singing and tipi setting. For ticket information, continue to next page.

Photo Captions:

1. Marcy Herrera, Southern Ute Tribe, 2003 Council Tree Scholarship recipient. Courtesy Delta Cultural Department.

2. Utes at Pow Wow. Courtesy Delta Cultural Department.