1. The Utes
The word “Utah” comes from the Ute word for “top of the mountains.”
The Utes were the largest tribe in Utah. Their tribal area covered most of the central part of the state.
The Utes lived in fertile valleys near the mountains and lakes.
4. The word “Utah” comes from the Ute word for “__________ of the __________.”
5. Which tribe was the largest?

2. The Utes: Survival
“Nuche [Utes] traveled with the seasons. They went to high mountains in the summer, living by hunting small and big game animals and birds, fishing and gathering a variety of berries, nuts, seed, and plants Hunting, fishing, and gathering sites were not owned [they were] communal [shared] and granted to all.”
--Larry Cesspooch, a Ute

3. The Utes: Hunting
The Utes used horses for hunting and carrying heavy loads.
When they hunted buffalo, they used every part of the animal. Some uses are:
Fur for blankets
Skin for tepees and clothing
Meat for food
6. Name one of the ways that a buffalo was used by the Ute people.

4. The Utes: Home Life
Utes lived in tepees of buffalo skin and tall poles.
Tepees could be taken down and carried easily.
A fire was built in the center for cooking and warmth. Smoke escaped through an opening in the top of the tepee.
Bands of as many as 200 people lived in large tepee villages near streams, rivers, or lakes.
7. What type of home did the Utes live in?

5. The Utes: Families
Finding and preparing food was the most important task of all members of a Ute family.
When young women reached adulthood, they would participate in a Bear Dance where they could find their future husbands.

6. The Utes: Children
In addition to a formal name, a Ute child was given many nicknames during their life.
Children were highly valued and everyone shared the responsibility of raising them.
If twins were born, it was considered bad luck. Often, one or both twins were allowed to die.

7. The Utes: Clothing
Clothing was often made of animal skins. Sometimes the fur was still attached.
Other clothing was made from woven grasses and bark.
To protect their feet, the Utes wore shoes from animal hides or sandals of woven reeds.

8. The Utes: Religion
The Utes believed that the earth was created by a spirit who lived in the sky.
They also believed that every living in the world had a spirit.
The Ghost Dance represented the return of all who had died as a result of contact with non-Indians.
Pictured here is a typical Ghost Dance dress.