Southern Ute Indian Tribe

http://www.southern-ute.nsn.us/

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe 'is located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Southwest Colorado.'

Their logo contains the native Indian symbols of nature through the images of mountains and animals. However, the logo also includes images of modernity and civilisation. For instance the tractor 'represents the ranching, farming and industry that our tribal members and the tribe are involved with to make a living.' This demonstrates that the Ute Indians are willing to assimilate into society by using modern farming equipment.

The homepage of the website highlights that the reservation is home to the 'Sky Ute Casino Resort' which is owned and operated by the tribe. This informs us that the tribe are indeed progressive, because they place value on earning money, unlike a traditionalist Indian who would argue that nature should instead be highly valued.

Furthermore, the 'SunUte Community Centre' is advertised. Its mission is, "To expand and improve the quality of life for the Southern Ute Tribal Members and surrounding communities by stimulating social, physical, emotional, mental, cultural, and spiritual growth through recreational activities." This is achieved through fundraising events, such as the 'Mens & Womens Open Basketball Tournament,' which costs '$250 per team.' The use of sport to raise money is stereotypical, as Indians are often thought to be athletic; this made them useful during the First World War. Further, the centre recognises 'spiritual growth,' therefore traditional Indian practices are still significant to this tribe.

In addition, the 'Southern Ute Cultural Centre and Museum,' is also highlighted, which provides information on the Ute tribes' history and culture in the past through to the present. This implies that these Indians are proud of their heritage, despite their position as a minority within the United States. They are preserving their history in order to educate future generations of their existence so they are not forgotten.

The Ute Indian Tribe website also contains information about the history of the tribe. It illustrates their struggle for survival, for example, 'the Utes would trade even children to the Spanish for horses.' The tribe were clearly willing to survive by any means. They made great use of the horse, because it provided them with a quick method to escape from enemies and made buffalo hunting much easier. The history section gives a balanced view of the tribe, because on the one hand the above example shows that the tribe were civilised and willing to trade. On the other hand, the tribe 'became aggressive and warlike' when coming into contact with other tribes.