The architecture of the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum (SUCCM) is stunning, thoughtfully designed to reflect the wishes of tribal members. As you approach the entrance, you are greeted by the Ute language, native plants, and a rich history. The center of the building features a circular structure that is symbolic of a Ute woman’s shawl, evoking a sense of home.
SUCCM’s beautiful collection of Ute history is filled with stories and traditions. Their exhibits are created with thoughtful consideration of cultural preservation. Tallais Cantsee (Ute Mountain), SUCCM’s Museum Collections Manager, states, “There is a real depth to this work beyond just putting something in a case or putting it on the shelf. There is meaning behind what we do here”.
On May 22nd, SUCCM opened its latest exhibit titled Following Footsteps: The Continuum of Southern Ute Royalty. The exhibit was created to honor Tribal Royalty title holders throughout the decades. Samantha Maez (Southern Ute), the Museum Business Manager, knows tribal royalty firsthand as she was Miss Southern Ute from 2009-2010. She described her time, stating, “We [were] the tribe’s face, the ambassadors, the delegates”. Especially when they traveled to pow wows, met other dignitaries, or attended social events. Maez said her time as Miss Southern Ute was significant and taught her lifelong skills, stating, “it made me who I am. It was a really important part of my life”.
Fabian Martinez (Southern Ute), the Director Trainee, said most of the items used in the exhibit were from SUCCM’s collection. The crowns and sashes were previously donated to the museum or on loan. “It’s been 20 years since we had our last (tribal royalty) exhibit. We have the research here in our archives, so let’s use it,” said Martinez.
“Once we started on this exhibit, it just seemed to grow with the more information we found,” said Cantsee. He and his team spoke with past royalty Jennifer Good Tracks and Linda Baker, using their thoughts and concerns as guidance. They also collaborated with other tribal departments, including Cultural Preservation, The Southern Ute Drum, and Tribal Royalty Committee.
SUCCM received a war shirt that once belonged to Charles Stoby. Stoby participated in several battles with the Utes against other tribes and was entrenched with their culture for over 10 years. He kept a journal and documented his time among the Southern Utes. The journal “had sketches of the community, sketches of ceremonial grounds, and Ute women’s dress,” said Cantsee. This primary source illustrated the elevation of women as representatives of the Southern Ute people. “It is still something that continues through tradition, through culture… This is how women are viewed in our society, it’s our way of life,” said Cantsee.
This exhibit is a gift to the community and a memento to the powerful representation of Tribal Royalty. It showcases the continuation of culture and tradition whilst honoring the generations that came before us.
Following Footsteps “honors those young women and men who took on the responsibility of that title” said Maez. The exhibit showcases a timeline spanning back generations, beginning with Rodeo and Fair Queens and concluding to present day Tribal Royalty.