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Show 2 The Ute People duced by rabbit drives, antelope and buffalo hunts, or other communal economic affairs. The main reason for the gatherings, however, was not economic. The Ute People wanted social interaction with friends and relatives rarely seen during other times of the year. They would gather to do the Bear Dance and perhaps other ceremonies. There was also much courting and intermarriage. These gatherings were of much importance to the Ute People. The Ute People who lived in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah had no doubts as to where they came from. Histories of their origin were told from generation to generation. All the People knew of their beginnings and recognized who was their Creator. The Ute Creator, Senawahv, made the land for the use of the Indians. He created the buffalo, the deer, and other animals for food and clothing. He caused the earth to produce berries and roots. He also created the Ute People. In the beginning there were no people on the earth. One day Senawahv began to cut sticks and place them in a large bag. This went on for some time, until the bag was full. One day when Senawahv was away, Coyote, known for his curiosity, opened the bag to see what Senawahv was doing. Many people came out, all of them speaking different languages, and scattered in every direction. When Senawahv returned there were only a few people left. He was angry with Coyote, for He had planned to distribute the people equally in the land. The result of the unequal distribution, caused by Coyote, was war between different people, each trying to gain land from his neighbor. Of the people remaining in the bag, Senawahv said, "This small tribe of people shall be Ute, but they will be very brave and able to defeat the rest."1 Religion The Ute bands were also tied through their religion. Survival was a serious matter to all Ute People, and much of their religion had to do with health, long life, and economic skills. Religion helped them in times of crisis. It also served to reinforce the moral values of the group, such as respect for elders, the ideals of leadership and of moral conduct. |