Hey there, amazing people! Have you ever had the chance to meet a Native American? Well, guess what? I got to spend an incredible 7 hours with Rickey Hayes, who carries the proud heritage of being half Ute and half Cheyenne with a Navajo wife, right in the enchanting landscapes of Colorado. And I have some insights to share with you!

My love for nature and history always has me seeking out new adventures, and this time, my compass pointed me towards the majestic National Parks of southern Colorado.

The lure? Stunning landscapes ripe for exploration and a ton of history just waiting to be uncovered. My journey led me to the lesser-known but utterly captivating Ute Tribal Park, a short drive away from the celebrated Mesa Verde National Park. It was here, amidst the whispers of ancient times and the vibrant stories of the land, that I met Rickey.

The vibe? Absolutely electrifying. There's something about the place that makes you feel connected to something greater, where even the silence speaks volumes.

While I was visiting Mesa Verde National Park, a keen-eyed Park Ranger who noticed my historical curiosity told me about the Ute Tribal Park. And here's a fascinating twist: this park is like a secret haven primarily visited by archaeologists, not as widely promoted as its Mesa Verde counterpart.

Imagine my surprise when I found myself the only foreigner among a dozen white American archaeologists! It was a truly unique and enriching experience that added an incredible depth to my adventure, because even though I was coming to learn about history, archeology and sociology, I ended up learning a lot about the supernatural.

I had this amazing encounter with Rickey, who instantly recognized a kinship between us, he could tell I was also Native American, but from the southern hemisphere.

Fun fact: I had to do my research and I found I'm a Muisca, a tribe from the Andean Mountains, related to the Incas and originating from the Bogotá area called Sabana de Bogota in Spanish, in Colombia. My heritage is a mix of 65% Native South American and 35% Spaniard.

During the tour, I was always a bit behind the group to capture the perfect shot, Rickey found moments to share the profound and mystical aspects of the Ute tribe with me.

Among the stories, one that stood out was how, through prayers alone, a corncob grew to an astonishing 6 feet in one night. His narratives, permeate the essence of his ancestors’ rituals and beliefs, that were not just entertaining but deeply enriching, opening a window where spirituality intertwines with the natural world. Stories that sounded familiar in my native South America.

Rickey expressed a poignant critique of the historical injustices his people faced at the hands of white settlers, revealing a lesser-known aspect of Native American resistance: a curse of CAPITALISM placed upon the land. This curse, a collective wish by several tribes, aimed to ensure that those who took their land would never find fulfillment in material wealth, a profound testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Native American communities against the backdrop of their stolen land and the violence they endured.

I notice that native Americans in the U.S. are very disconnected of the material world, it was the first time during my stay in America that someone did not accept tips hahahah, no kidding… he said we were brothers. Rickey told me about the connection Ute people have to their Land and how against they were to the fact that their own people today, have to pay to enter to what became a National Park.

We also talked about the struggles of Native American communities with poverty and the challenges brought by casinos, nowadays their main economic activity given by the government as a way to balance history after the forced relocations to reservations. The original inhabitants, rooted in settlements for centuries, were uprooted as gold and silver were discovered, leading to their displacement to unsuitable territories.

I must say that the conversations I had with Rickey were so much fun, not only because of the stories, but also because of the way he communicates. Native Americans use a unique way of communication that goes beyond words, like the imitation of water sounds and expressive whistles that convey surprise. Every 3 sentences there was a weird sound that after repetition I kind of understood the context and guessed what he meant, I was always laughing with his sounds.

When I asked him: How did u know I was native and not an Asian mixed? He said: I felt your energy, I knew you were one of us. He also said, he felt the Spirit that was with me, he called him the Master, as a christian believer and practitioner, in my religion we called Him the Holy Spirit, I was a but shocked when he said that to be honest.

Every now and then, I catch up with Rickey, and let me tell you, he is genuinely one of the purest souls I've had the pleasure of meeting during my time in America: his authenticity, the depth of his spirit, and the sheer size of his heart. It is rare to come across someone so genuinely rooted in kindness and wisdom.

This wasn't just a trip; it transcended the ordinary tourist experience, offering a profound glimpse into the Native American history, struggles, and their enduring spiritual connection to the land 🌍✨

Thank you for reading friends! If you want to meet Rickey, book a tour here: https://www.utemountaintribalpark.info/book%20sales.html

June 2021. Durango, Colorado

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