Do you know where Campbell Park is? Or did you know there’s a monument dedicated to those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the town of Ignacio or community, in the park?
It’s located at the top of Candelaria Heights, where Candelaria Drive, Romero Avenue and Becker Street intersect. The monument and park is named after former U.S. Senator, Ben Nighthorse Campbell. The monument was erected to honor those in the community who’ve contributed to the town of Ignacio – a community of 800 or so, a self-proclaimed, “Tri-ethnic” community.
It’s to remember people who have done something significant for the town.
Southern Ute tribal member and U.S. Veteran Roderick Grove’s name is on the monument as well the names of other tribal members who contributed to the community.
When asked about how he felt about his name being nominated, then selected to be on the monument, Grove said, “I thought it was a joke. I was the Service officer for the tribe at the time, it was a surprise.”
In a small ceremony of about 40 people, the monument was dedicated in Campbell Park.
On August 3, 1990 President of the United States George H. W. Bush declared the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month, thereafter commonly referred to as Native American Heritage Month.
The Bill read in part that “the President has authorized and requested to call upon Federal, State and local Governments, groups and organizations and the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities”. This was a landmark Bill honoring America’s tribal people.
A number of Southern Ute names are on the monument including Sunshine Cloud Smith, Pearl Casias, Arnold Santistevan, Guy Pinnecoose, Leonard C. Burch, Roderick Grove, and Howard Richards Sr.,. Smith, Burch, Grove and Richards are veterans as well.
Names can submitted for consideration of those who made a contribution to the town or community.
As a precursor to Native American month The Southern Ute Drum will feature other articles pertaining to the distinguished month, as well the 2016 Tribal Calendar honoring Southern Ute Veterans as well.
The Drum is asking Southern Ute Veterans and their families for assistance in gathering photos of veterans to be featured in the calendar.
The Drum will work with in collaboration with the Southern Veterans Association in a group photo during the supper break of the upcoming Veterans Powwow, Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Sky Ute Casino Resort. All Southern Ute Veterans are invited to be a part in the photo.
For further information about submitting your photos or of the group photo at the Veterans Powwow, call The Southern Ute Drum at 970-563-0118.
In a resolution passed by of the town of Ignacio supporting the grant application for a Mini Grant from the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund for the completion of Shoshone Park and Ben Nighthorse Campbell Park Improvements. Trees will be planted at the park and playground equipment replaced at Shoshone Park.