Southern Ute
The Southern Ute formerly lived in small groups in western Colorado and eastern Utah. They hunted animals such as elk, antelope, and rabbits. Pine nuts, wild vegetables, and berries were also important in their diet. They originally lived in either brush shelters or conical pole-frame houses. Later they began to use tipis.
In 1877, the Southern Ute Reservation was established along the Colorado-New Mexico border. Currently, the tribe's major industry is tourism, followed by gas and oil production.
About the Flag:
The red and white border of the tribal seal represents the "Circle of Life". Everything within the circle stands for the life of the Southern Ute. The mountains and forest represent their ancestral homeland. The bear and elk are for the game that live on the reservation. The sun stands for the Spirit that watches over the Southern Ute People. The tractor, cattle, gas well, and sheep represent tribal industries. The peace pipe and green leafy branch represent the Southern Ute's desire for peace. The two feathers on the pipe symbolize the tribal belief in a Great Spirit and the "healing power" of the people as a tribe. The Colorado State flag is to honor their historic homeland.
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