1977

In the summer of 1977, the Utes and Comanches earnestly gathered together in southern Colorado.

Historically, the old friends had become enemies by around 1750 in the northern frontier of New Spain. At the time, dialogue was aimed to secure peace among the two powerful tribes who held sway over a vast territory in the southwest.

With regard to their historical recollection of those earlier peace talks, the Southern Ute Drum community newspaper shared that "peace talks were interrupted and a fifty-year war followed. Peace talk between the tribes re-emerged in 1977, and the treaty was finalized." Nearly 200 years later in 1977, the well-known brethren tribes firmly committed to a renewal of a much dedicated peace between their nations.

The peace treaty signed by the Comanches and Utes called for a celebration of peace. It ended 200 years of war between the two prominent tribes of the region. The ceremony was conducted at Ignacio, Colorado on July 24, 1977.

Remarkable picture of the greatly respected Comanche George Woogie Watchetaker. He is shown actively participating with other Comanches at the Ute-Comanche Peace Treaty Ceremonials in July of 1977. (AP Photo) Photograph courtesy of The Fayetteville Observer.