With its sweeping vistas and rugged terrain, the Dolores River Canyon Country is more than just a breathtaking landscape. To the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, this land represents a living tapestry of our history, culture and spirituality. The deep canyons and towering cliffs are not merely geographical features but sacred places intertwined with our existence for countless generations. As we face increasing pressures from development and environmental degradation, it is crucial that we advocate for the protection of this invaluable landscape as a National Monument.
Our connection to the Dolores River Canyon Country runs deep, rooted in our ancestors’ stories, traditions and daily lives. For centuries, this land has been a cradle of Ute culture. It is here that our ancestors hunted, gathered and celebrated life’s cycles. Every rock and river bend carries a story, a memory of our people’s resilience and reverence for the natural world. Protecting this area is not just about preserving a landscape; it’s about safeguarding the essence of who we are.
The Dolores River Canyon Country holds sacred sites central to our spiritual practices. These places are not merely historical relics but active components of our cultural and religious life. They are where our ancestors communicated with the spirits, where ceremonies were held, and where our cultural heritage was passed down through generations. As these sacred places face threats from modern encroachment and environmental stressors, we must act decisively to ensure their preservation.
Designating the Dolores River Canyon Country as a National Monument would offer a critical layer of protection, ensuring that this land remains safeguarded from exploitative uses that could irreversibly alter its character. A national monument designation would also help to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the area’s significance. It would provide a platform for education about Ute history and culture, fostering a deeper understanding and respect among visitors and future generations.
Moreover, this designation would support conservation efforts to maintain the region’s ecological health. The rich biodiversity of the Dolores River Canyon Country is a testament to the intricate balance our ancestors maintained with nature. By protecting the area, we honor their wisdom and ensure that the land continues to support a vibrant array of plant and animal life, just as it has for millennia.
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is committed to working with partners and stakeholders to advocate for the designation of the Dolores River Canyon Country as a national monument. This step is not only about protecting land but also about recognizing and valuing the cultural heritage that it represents. We invite all who cherish this land to join us in our effort to preserve the Dolores River Canyon Country for future generations.
In protecting this land, we do more than shield a landscape from harm; we reaffirm our commitment to honoring our ancestors and sustaining the cultural and spiritual ties that bind us to this sacred place. The Dolores River Canyon Country is more than a geographical area; it is a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Ute people. As we move forward, let us remember that safeguarding this land is a profound act of respect and recognition for its rich tapestry and history and culture.
Silverton House-Whitehorse is the great-great-grandson of Chief Jack House, the last hereditary/traditional chief of Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. SIlverton is a Ute Mountain Ute activist, tribal committee member, Ute language instructor and former Democratic Colorado Congressional 3rd District delegate.
