Ute Monument Dedication Ceremony
August 6, 2022
On August 6, 2022, the Redford Family and Sundance Mountain Resort held a Monument Dedication honoring the Ute Indian Tribe as the First People of the Land. For decades, Robert Redford has grown a relationship with the Uinta and Ouray Ute Tribes, and worked to advocate on behalf of Indigenous communities. The ceremony affirmed a commitment to honor this longstanding relationship for generations to come.
In attendance were members of the Uintah and Ouray Ute Tribe, the Redford Family, Sundance Mountain Resort representatives and members of the community. The Red Spirit Singers sang ceremonial songs of their ancestors, and participants were invited to join the Bear Dance and Round Dance Song.
“This Mother Earth we all stand on, we all come from it and we pray for the goodness of this sacred place. Bless the people, this beautiful day. We were once here, they (our people) were once here. We ask for the blessings of this land and to take care of the Redford Family and all things.”
LARRY CESSPOCH
For the ceremony and celebration, Redford’s daughter, Amy Redford, worked with Ute Spiritual Leader, Larry Cesspooch and the Ute Indian Tribal Council to find a stone that was fitting for a monument. Together, they also commissioned artwork from Ute artist Robert J. Colorow, and wrote dedication language. Before the stone was placed in a location selected by the Tribe, Larry Cesspooch blessed the stone and the site.
“[Robert Redford] has always recognized our Ute People as the First People of the Land – and it is. So today we come together under this great canopy of cloud and sun, at the foot of this mighty mountain. We call it Kivoo. We want to honor our relatives here, we want to honor the Redford’s, we want to pray that things will be good for him and for all the people here.
“It is my deepest desire that this Monument is but a seed. My family never really owned this land, we were stewards.”
Amy Redford