Ute Council Tree
Posted by: 
ktTris
N 38° 45.284 W 108° 04.435
12S E 754271 N 4293625
Ute Council Tree, a historical meeting place of the Ute tribes, near Delta Colorado
Waymark Code: WM66JQ
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 04/12/2009
Views: 13
See also the Ute Council Tree Pow Wow arbor and the Ute Tribute Tree sculpture at N 38 45.066, W 108 04.633. Following is a poem entitled
Council Tree, by O. Roland McCook, Sr.:
As a young tree I watched the Utes
Come and go.
I have heard the laughter, the singing, the tired groans,
And the crying of the little ones.
I have witnessed the young ones as they played and
Jumped from my young branches,
I have listened to the songs of the elders as the winters
Move on and give way to spring and the happy
Sounds of the spring Bear Dance.
I have sheltered the Utes as they hold Council beneath
My branches, the leaders speaking with wisdom and
Foresight, the young warriors talking of war to protect
Their hunting grounds and the Ute way of life.
I have stood here by the river for many winters since
The sounds of anguish and sobbing of the Utes as they
Passed under my branches for the last time, leaving the
Shining Mountains.
I have stood here listening and watching development
Grow around my branches,
Then,
I hear a familiar sound of long ago, and
Strain my branches to hear more,
I hear the sounds of drums long forgotten in this valley,
I hear the singing of the Flag Song, Round Dance,
Bear Dance, and songs that make
My leaves flutter in the wind,
I again see and hear the sounds of the laughter
and the talking of Utes,
I am overjoyed to see the Utes are back, dancing
Singing, and visiting with relatives.
Stand proud as do the Elders who watch from my branches,
I am the Council Tree.
Website: [Web Link]
Historic Event:
The Ute Tribes held councils under this cottonwood tree near the confluence of the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers. A plaque dedicates the tree to Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta, who strove to keep peace between the Utes and the Whites. The tree gives its name to the Council Tree Pow Wow, held in Delta Colorado every September.
Year: Ute Tribal Councils met at the tree in the 1800's
Species: Cottonwood
Approximate Age: 207
Location: Delta, Colorado
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Visit Instructions:
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