| OCR Text |
Show Epilogue The history of the Northern Ute People can be compared to that of many other groups â€" Indian and non-Indian. Every human group experiences a variety of events which help to shape their attitudes and goals. This book has dealt with the struggles, triumphs, successes, and failures of the Northern Utes. Out of this history several attitudes have grown strong among the People. One of these is that the land base must be maintained. Another is that Ute language and culture must not be lost, that the Bear Dance and Sun Dance, for example, must be continued. Others concern the care of resources. Timber, water, and minerals must be used only for the good of the People. Most tribal members see the growing importance of education in helping the People achieve these goals. Many more People have graduated from high school and college in the last generation than in all previous times. One goal to which the Ute People are very committed is that they remain a distinct people, a group apart. They believe that in the future they can and should be allowed to have more control over their own destiny. The complex world around them is a constant threat to self-determination. But their struggle has gone on for a very long time, and no doubt that effort will continue in coming generations. The students who study the history of the Northern Utes are becoming part of their People's efforts to achieve today's goals and ideals. They will create new goals in the future. Floyd A. O'Neil American West Center University of Utah |
