INTRODUCTION: By Juanita Plentyholes

Maik, thank you for giving us the opportunity to publish this book.

The Ute Nation consists of three tribes and seven bands, including the Weenuche band of which the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe are members. As hunters and gatherers, the Ute Nation historically roamed all of Colorado and parts of Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming, and knew these lands well.

Throughout time, changes to the lands due to settlements, erosion, and climate change have impacted the Utes’ way of life. This project provided us with an opportunity to connect elders with youth members, so that the elders could share their stories and travel together to different parts of the reservation in order to witness these changes to the land.

This project comes at a crucial time; as we lose our elders we also risk losing their teachings and practices that were passed down from their ancestors, unless we ensure that our younger generation maintains this connection. By staying connected to these lands, and making use of new tools and technology, we have some hope of preserving our culture and language for our future generations.

Tuvuche Toweyak, thank you very much.

JUANITA PLENTYHOLES | Tiwahe Director