Manitou Springs is setting a precedent for other Colorado towns and cities.
“This is the very first Colorado community to actually do something with the native tribe by bringing the Ute people back to the area,” said Kenny Frost, spiritual leader of the Southern Ute tribe.
He’s one of the key people who have been working to organize the Indigenous People’s Day events, which start Saturday, Oct. 8.
Also helping with this historic occasion: Manuel Pulido and Michael Aku, Manitou residents of Apache heritage; Michael Howell, former collections manager at the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center and Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage board member; Lyn Ettinger-Harwell, SunWater Spa chief operating officer and chef; Don Goede, SunWater co-owner; and Mayor John Graham.
An initial committee was formed last November on the heels of Manitou’s inaugural Indigenous People’s Day, Graham said. On Feb. 6, 2021, City Council unanimously approved the second Monday in October as the day to honor the region’s original inhabitants.
It replaces the day named for Christopher Columbus, now widely viewed as a rapist and killer of North America’s native inhabitants.
Graham explained that the committee was formed mainly to apply for a Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage grant to expand the event’s scope. The current committee members began to coalesce in June.
The mayor was pleased with how that first celebration went.
“The day was warmly received by both residents and the visiting Native peoples. It was low-key, as we put it together quickly and without any budget,” Graham said.
One highlight of this year’s events will be recreating a horseback ride that was taken in 1912, when the Ute Trail was dedicated.
Several people participating are descendants of those riders. Frost is the great-grandson of Chief Nanice, a Ute leader. Also scheduled to attend: Clarence and Estelle Ouray, great-great-grandchildren of Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta; and Uncompahgre Utes Jonas Grant Bullethead and Joy Grant Bullethead.
Organizers are also hoping that the attendees will include descendants of Chief Buckskin Charlie (native name: Sapiah), leader of the Southern Ute tribe from 1880 until he died in 1936.
Frost and Jonas Grant Bullethead will be on horseback to re-dedicate the trail. Afterward, Frost and other Ute elders will rededicate 7 Minute Spring and, by extension, all of Manitou’s springs.
“This is important because it is quintessentially a Manitou Springs quality. No place else on Earth had mineral springs … with Native peoples coming from all over the West to give thanks to the Great Spirit,” Graham said.
“We are unique, and this helps remind us that we live in a special place, gifted with natural beauty, an accessible environment and an interesting history. The human story is at its best here.”
Frost is immensely proud of what his ancestor accomplished for his people. The white occupiers appointed Ouray as chief because he spoke English and Spanish, and Nanice didn’t.
“He wasn’t given credit where credit is due,” Frost said, despite Nanice being the tribe’s actual leader.
Stories about Nanice have been passed down through Frost’s family, which is good, because he’s barely mentioned in history books.
Frost is a consultant on Ute history and sacred sites, Native law and treaties, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, enacted in 1990. He also assisted Goede with the Manitou Springs Heritage Center display honoring Natives’ contribution to the region over thousands of years.
“The Ute were forcibly removed from this area,” Frost said. “For the Ute to come back here to this area after 150 years, as a total tribe, is historic in itself.”
IF YOU GO
All events are free to the community. They are funded by a grant from the Manitou Springs Arts, Culture, and Heritage fund, and support from SunWater Spa and Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts.
Information: manitousprings.org/event/indigenous-weekend or 685-5481.
Saturday, Oct. 8
6-9 p.m.: “Meet and Greet” with Chief Kenny Frost, Jonas Grant Bullethead and Joy Grant Bullethead. With special guests Celinda Kaelin, author of “American Indians of the Pikes Peak Region,” and Clarence and Estelle Ouray. Red Spirit Drum Group of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in northeastern Utah will perform. Manitou Springs City Hall, 606 Manitou Ave.
Sunday, Oct. 9
Approximately 9 a.m.: The historical Ute Trail horseback ride will pass by Miramont Castle. It will end at the Cheyenne Spring Parklet, in the 900 block of Manitou Avenue, at approximately 10 a.m.
11 a.m.: The horseback ride will continue to 7 Minute Spring Pavilion for a re-dedication and addresses from leaders of the various Ute tribes.
Noon: Red Spirit Drum Group performance.
1-3 p.m. “Food from the Earth” Potluck, featuring Seven-Minute Stew prepared by chef Lyn Ettinger-Harwell. Bring a dish from the heart to share at City Hall. Soup will be vegan and gluten-free. Slow-cooked seasoned beef brisket, pulled pork and chicken will be available à la carte.
Jim Standing Bear, a Comanche, and Joe David, a Cheyenne, will speak and the Red Spirit Drum Group will perform with traditional Native American dancers.
Monday, Oct. 10
Kaelin will speak about her book in two Manitou Springs Elementary classes.