Chapter History
Sleeping Ute Mountain Chapter, NSDAR received its charter from the National Society on March 24, 1984. The name honors the Sleeping Ute Mountain range located in the Four Corners area on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation. The outline of the mountain against the skyline suggests a Ute Chief in full headdress slumbering with arms crossed over his chest.
According to legend, The Sleeping Ute was a great warrior god who came to fight the “Evil Ones”.
In the conflict, their feet pounded the earth into mountains and valleys. The great warrior god was wounded, and lay down to rest, falling into a deep sleep. One day, the legend tells us, the great warrior god will rise again to fight the “Evil Ones”.
Ernest House, Tribal Chairman of the Ute Mountain Tribal Council, was contacted by our prospective chapter to request use of the name. In his approval letter he wrote, “As a tribal leader, I can only hope the principles and goals of your organization complement our tribal goals of Indian self-determination, equal opportunity, and justice for all Americans.”
Our members are spread throughout Montezuma, Dolores counties and beyond. Many are from pioneer families. We feel bound to this land and its many natural treasures such as Mesa Verde, Canyon of the Ancients, Hovenweep and Sleeping Ute Mountain.
