Instruction
Video Forum Discussion Questions (Unit IX)
Colorado Experience: The Original Coloradans (2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=lWLdijamdcQ
This documentary represents the experiences of the Ute tribe of Colorado and Utah as one of the types of Great Basin culture. The film also helps demonstrate that although the Great Basin culture area has been considered ‘marginal’ (as represented in the Julian Steward reading); it also exhibits wide culture diversity and variability (50 min.)
1. Early in the video, Ute leaders discuss their creation stories (including the origin of the Bear Dance). One elder states “we were born and raised here.” He goes on to say that the Ute are the only tribe with no migration story. All indicate (with scientific evidence) that the Ute have always been here. In your opinion, what does this say about Ute culture identity in terms of how closely they identify themselves as mountain people and pride in having such an enduring legacy? Do they all seem to be saying the same thing about the Ute?
2. The Colorado State Historian’s perspective is used throughout the video to interpret Ute history. At one point, he explains that the Ute has an ‘acute sense of internal geography’, as seasonally migrating, nomadic people, demonstrating a broad subsistence base. How does this perspective compare to the nearby Plains culture area? Does this close proximity seem to indicate similarities in cultural adaptation to the diverse environment they explored? Do you feel they maintain a protective attitude toward it?
3. The ‘invasion’ of ranchers and miners impacted the Ute in terms of how their territory was rapidly pushed west and reduced. Parallels to California are also evident. What appeared to you to be the main challenges to Ute survival during the 19th century, and what did you perceive as the binding force that has sustained the Ute? Please specify what you perceive these challenges to be had how the Ute have successfully overcome them.