Ute Indian cultural celebration starts today in Delta

By Daily Press

DELTA — A three-day celebration of Ute Indian culture begins today and runs through Sunday in Delta.

The 14th Annual Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival takes place at Confluence Park today, with festivities starting at 9 a.m.

More than 100 years ago the Delta area was the homeland of the Ute Indian people, according to the event Web site. The 200-year-old "Ute Council Tree", a historical meeting place of the Ute Tribes, is still standing across the Gunnison River from the current site of the festival in Confluence Park.

In 1992, a group of citizens came together to develop a celebration of the Ute Culture. The Delta City Council approved the project and the three Ute Tribes: Northern Ute, Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute, agreed to work with the city in the development of this event.

Fees:

$7 per day or $15 for a 3-day pass

$6 Seniors (65 and older) per day

Children 7-12 years: $3

Children under 7 years: free

• Parking: $2 for the weekend

Program: $3

Schedule of events and additional information at: www.counciltreepowwow.org

Today

9 a.m. — Box office, facility, Indian market vendors and Tipi Village open

9:15 to 11:15 a.m. — "Celebration of the Ute Nation"

12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — "Celebration of the Ute Nation"

Before Grand Entry: Gourd dancing

7:30 p.m. — Grand entry, contest dancing and singing contest

Saturday

9 a.m. — Box office, facility, Indian market vendors and Tipi Village open

10 a.m. — Parade

Noon and 6 p.m. — Gourd dancing

1 p.m. and 7 p.m. — Grand entries, contest dancing and singing contest

1:30 p.m. — Children's and adult cultural centers

Sunday

9 a.m. — Box office, facility, Indian market vendors and Tipi Village open

11 a.m. — Gourd dancing

Noon — Grand entry, contest dancing and singing contest

Late Afternoon: awards

• Camera Registration: Camera registration is required for all cameras  & camera phones brought onto Pow Wow grounds.