University of Utah - Utonian Yearbook (Salt Lake City, UT)

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The Indians have woven the mysteries of the canyons into the myths of their religion. Long ago, says Powell, there was a great and wise chief, who mourned the death of his wife, and would not be comforted until Ta- vwoats, one of the Indian Gods, came to him, and told him she was in a happier land, and offered to take him there, that he might see for himself, if, upon his return, he would cease to mourn. The great chief promised. Then A UTE INDIAN GRAVE I I In IlKI ss| I) l ON I i [ U MOM l C.OSTI Ml Ta-vwoats made a trail through the moun- tains that intervene between that beautiful land, the balmy region in the great west, and this, the desert home of the poor Nu-ma. This trail was the canyon gorge of the Colorado. Through it he led him; and, when they had returned, the deity exacted from the chief a promise that he would tell no one of the joys of that land, lest, through discontent with the circumstances of this world, they should desire to go to heaven. Then he rolled a river into the gorge, a made, raging stream, that should engulf any that might attempt to enter thereby. READY FOR THE BEAR DANCE, A FAVORITE EARLY SPRINGTIME TRADITION OF Mil UTES Hage 15

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A IIVPTY .Will III R The Utahs at various times in their history raised corn, squash, and beans, and practiced irrigation. Tradition has it that in the south- ern part of the state, cornfields were carefully watered by the Indians earning water in ollas to each individual plant. One of the beautiful prayers of the Mountain Indians is that to the Great Spirit asking for rain. White floating clouds Clouds like the plains Come and water the earth. Sun embrace the earth That she may be fruitful. Warriors of the six mountains of the world intercede with the cloud people for us That they may water the earth I make the ancient road of meal That by song they might pass over it The ancient road hite shell bead woman Who lives where the sun goes down, Mother whirl-wind. lather — Mother, creator of good thoughts I ask your intercession with the cloud people. There are today about three thousand In- dians within the state, all of them living on reservations, and receiving rations and lands from the government. EX-GOVERNOR MABEY. CONGRESSMAN COLTON, WITH LITES A HAITI! op BRAWN. I II SQUAWS ENCAGING IN A TUG-O-WAR -A S 4e—

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Business District Salt Lake City