Ignacio celebrates a century

Thursday - October 3, 2013 by Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

Ute Language Program instructor Tom Givon

Hispanic dance group Los Colores de Ignacio

Ignacio, a tri-ethnic community rich in heritage, celebrated its 100th year in a town-wide celebration Saturday, Sept. 28. Cultural dancers (above) of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe gather with community members during a round dance, as Yellow Jacket keeps the beat of the drum strong. The afternoon’s events included singing and dancing, face-painting, games and contests – including a pig catching contest.

How times have changed Ignacio, as seen in the photos on display during the centennial celebration. Many spectators viewed the photos and reminiced of times gone by.

Southern Ute Tribal Chairman Jimmy R. Newton Jr. gives a welcome and blessing to begin the celebration. Ignacio Mayor Stella Cox (right) also gave a welcome to those in attendance.

Space Camp coordinator and Ignacio Science Teacher Danny Jacquez launches a rocket into the air to officially kick off the celebration.

Two Ninja Turtles display their face paint proudly. The face-painting booth was a popular stop for the youth.

Ute Mountain Ute Councilman Davis Wing speaks of being a direct descendent of Chief Ignacio and what it means to him.

Ute Language Program instructor Tom Givon gives a reading of a story, usually told orally and not written, from “Ute Texts.”

Arnulfo Pardo dances with the Southern Ute cultural dancers. A round dance closed the performance with the community members joining hands in dance.

Hispanic dance group Los Colores de Ignacio displays beautiful colored dresses and traditional dances. Ignacio prides itself as a tri-ethnic community with Hispanic, Native American and Anglo components.

A pig-catching contest was the highlight of the evening’s festivities, as different age groups competed in catching a pig to win prizes.

Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum

As Ignacio turned 100, the town gathered to recognize its multicultural makeup. Town Mayor Stella Cox and Southern Ute Chairman Jimmy R. Newton Jr. welcomed community members. Tom Givon shared a reading from his new book, “Ute Texts.” A photo gallery depicting Ignacio through the decades was on display. Davis Wing, councilman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, also spoke of his teachings as a Ute, as taught to him as a direct-descendent of Chief Ignacio.