MISSION STATEMENT OF UTE MOUNTAIN UTE TRIBE
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe strives to uphold the Tribal Ancestral Vision and Leadership in order to preserve and protect our lands, Tribal sovereignty, language, history, culture and the general welfare of the NUCHU; Serves to provide for the long term economic needs of the Tribe and its members through economic development of Tribal Resources; Enhance the quality of life; Promotes strong work ethic and personal independence for NUCHU, while strongly upholding the "government to government" relationship with local, State and Federal governments that benefits the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
THE PEOPLE
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe are the Weenuche band of the Ute Nation of Indians. The two other bands, the Mouache and the Capote became the Southern Ute Tribe. The Northern Ute Bands (the Uncompahgre band, the Grand River band, the Yampa band, and the Uinta band) are located on the Uinta Ouray Reservation near Vernal, Utah.
The Ute Indians are distinguished by the Ute language, which is Shoshonean, a branch of the UtoAztecan linguistic stock (Garcia and Tripp, 1977). Other Indians in the United States that speak Shoshonean are the Paiute, Goshute, Shoshone, and several California Tribes. Currently, the Ute Mountain Ute Trive has over 2,100 enrolled members.
The Weenuche Band inhabited the land along the western flank of the Rocky Mountains in the area of the present states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Weenuche homelands included all the lands that they normally protected and regularly traveled through. Weenuche lands extended north of the San Juan River in what is now New Mexico and Utah to the San Miguel River in Colorado and the La Sal Mountains in Utah (Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, 1985). The Continental Divide bounded their eastern range, and the Abajo Mountains in Utah marked their western boundary. These lines were vague in definite limits and bands of Utes and other tribes shared border areas. Ancestors ofthe Allen Canyon White Mesa Utes and Paiutes lived in the western part of Weenuche territory in what is now eastern Utah and Arizona.
TRIBAL GOVERNMENT
Six years after the Indians Reorganization Act of 1934, the Weenuche Band at Ute Mountain Ute Reservation organized a tribal government and enacted a tribal constitution (Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, 1985). The Weenuche Band became the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
The governing body of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is the Tribal Council consisting of seven members. The Council is elected by popular vote of Tribal membership. The Chairman of the Tribal council is selected through popular vote for a three year term. The Council governs the Reservation and manages a tribal government. Most of the administrative positions are staffed by Tribal employees.
Funds to run the Tribal government are provided by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and by contractual agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, and Indian Health Services. The Tribe is structured as a Federal Corporation that may be used for business purposes in developing financial growth and Tribal economy.
TRIBAL ENTERPRISES
: Located in Towaoc, CO, this is a primary economic driver for the tribe. It features a hotel with Native American decor, a casino, bingo, and several dining options like Kuchu's Restaurant.
Ute Mountain Farm & Ranch Enterprise
: A massive irrigated agricultural operation spanning over 7,700 acres. It produces alfalfa, wheat, and non-GMO corn sold under the Bow & Arrow Brand. It also manages a 700-head cow/calf operation.
Weeminuche Construction Authority (WCA): Established in 1985, this commercial construction company is bonded up to $100 million and provides a wide range of services to both tribal and external clients.
Ute Mountain Indian Trading Company & Gallery
: Specializes in authentic, hand-painted Ute Mountain Pottery. This museum-quality ceramic work is handcrafted by tribal artists and is available for purchase on-site or online. Located at 27601 HWY 160 Cortez Co 81321
Ute Mountain Travel Plaza
: A 24-hour service center and truck stop in Towaoc. It provides fueling stations, a convenience store, showers, laundry facilities, and fast food outlets.
Visit the tranquil beauty of Sleeping Ute RV Park and enjoy all of the excitement and offerings of Ute Mountain Casino Hotel located right next door! All of our full hook-up spaces are pull-through, are available in either 30/50 Amp and feature stunning mountain views. Sleeping Ute RV Park – including tent campers, get access to all of the great amenities listed below. The Ute Mountain Travel Center is right next door with easy pull-in fueling for RV’s, trucks, and passenger cars when you are ready to hit the road again and explore the amazing sites and attractions.
Ute Mountain Communications Enterprise
: A newer initiative established in 2021 to improve broadband services and digital connectivity for tribal members.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park
: A cultural tourism enterprise that offers guided tours of ancestral Puebloan dwellings, petroglyphs, and ruins. You must book a guided tour in advance; self-guided visits are strictly prohibited. Tours are typically offered from late April through October.
How to Make a Reservation for guided tour:
Call the Tribal Park Office at (970) 565-9653 or (800) 847-5485.
Email: utepark@fone.net.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (closed for a 30-minute lunch).
Payment: Be prepared to pay with cash or personal check at the Visitor Center. No credit or debit cards.
Tours are conducted Wednesday through Saturday. Check-in is at 8:30 AM at the Tribal Park Visitor Center (located at the junction of Hwy 160/491), departures at 9:00 AM.
Visitor Tips : Transportation: It is highly recommended to pay the additional $15-$20 fee to use the Tribal Park's van, as the 80-mile round trip involves very rough backcountry roads.
What to Bring: You must bring your own lunch, snacks, and plenty of water, as there are no food services inside the park.
Gear: Wear sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, and a hat.
