KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Celebrating Native American Heritage month
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HONORA SWANSON
HSWANSON@KJCT8.COM
MONTROSE, Colo. (KJCT) -- The Ute tribe wants you to know they still have a presence on the Western Slope.
November is Native American Heritage month.
In the upcoming weekend, there are a few things to do around town commemorating the heritage of Native Americans.
In Montrose, the Ute Indian Museum is offering events to share the tribe's stories with the community.
Also, the Montrose Hampton Inn is sponsoring seminars, revealing Native American culture and holding an art auction.
Many are in from out of town to learn more and connect with local tribe members.
Roland McCook is a Northern Ute tribal member Uncompagre Ute and his ancestry stems from Montrose. Though he is retired, he enjoys researching his history and teaching the pride of the Ute people.
McCook is excited about the hotel and museum coming together to commemorate the impact Native Americans have had in America.
"What is left here is the legacy of where they were what the people and were who they were, and that is exemplified and on exhibit," said McCook.
"We are here and we want to share, in that sharing, some misconceptions about Indian people the stereotyping, and that is what we try and promote a lot at the Ute museum as well," said museum director CJ Brafford.
This weekend some highlights at the museum are the Chipeta Springs ceremony which will recognize the land given to the museum, the showing of the film "A Vanishing Race", and the bear dance presentation by McCook.
The hotel is holding a silent auction to benefit the museum and many workshops throughout the rest of the month.
Director Brafford says this is a great time to learn more about the tribe's roles and let the month serve as a reminder of history.
