With the grand re-opening of the expanded and renovated Ute Indian Museum months away, History Colorado will continue consultations with representatives of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Southern Ute Tribe and the Ute Indian Tribe – Uintah and Ouray Reservation when they gather in Montrose next month.

Consultations are not open to the public, however the public is invited to attend a free evening presentation on Monday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. located at the Ute Indian Museum, 17253 Chipeta Road. The presentation will be provided by History Colorado on the National Science Foundation’s Advancing Informational STEM Learning program grant awarded to History Colorado.

In September 2016, History Colorado was awarded a five-year $2.2 million grant for the “Ute STEM” project to explore the integration of Western science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and Native American Knowledge bases. Ute STEM expands on established, successful collaborations between History Colorado, the three Ute Tribes, and scientist partners.

Ute STEM programs are designed to provide rural residents with increased engagement with relevant STEM experiences and opportunities to develop 21st century skills. This project will highlight Ute peoples’ systematic knowledge of plant use, engineering of wood shelters, mathematical patterns in beadwork, and sound amplification for music and dance.

The History Colorado team along with representatives from the three tribes will continue private consultations in Montrose until April 12. They will review the new exhibits, planning for the grand re-opening and discussions on the programming for Ute STEM.

For more information on the public Ute STEM presentation, please contact 970-249-3098. The renovated and expanded Ute Indian Museum will be open to the public in June.