Trailblazers
PATH OF THE UTE INDIANS
0:
ral traditions of the Utes indicate that the Nooche or the People—the Utes' ancestors—have always lived in Utah and Colorado. The Utes' traditional homelands extended from as far west as central Millard County, Utah, east to the Front Range near Denver, Colorado, and from the present Wyoming state line on the north to the New Mexico state line, the San luan River, and the Escalante River on the south. The Ute language suggests that the People migrated to Utah and Colorado from the American Southwest. Over time in Utah and Colorado the People divided into bands. 1 The Utes adapted to the environment of the two states, living near dependable sources of food, including nuts, roots, berries, and, of course, water. Most bands of Utes had readily available large game such as buffalo, antelope, m o u n t a i n sheep, mule deer, and elk. In addition to food, big game provided a source of clothing and shelter for the bands of Utes who lived in northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado. The Uinta-ats (later called Tavaputs), PahVant, Tumpanawach, and some C u m u m b a and Sheberetch of Utah were gathered together at the Uintah agency during the late 1860s and 18
