The Anasazi Heritage Center near Dolores, Colorado, formally became Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum on Saturday. The ceremony at the center was attended by about 60 people. They included Congressman Scott Tipton and representatives with Senator Michael Bennet’s office, the Bureau of Land Management, the Ute Mountain Ute and Northern Ute tribes, Dolores County, and Mesa Verde National Park. Center Manager Marietta Eaton said the name change reflects Native American concerns about the use of the term “Anasazi,” which has negative connotations, and makes the center’s purpose clearer.
Photo Caption: From left, Dana Wilson, acting associate district manager for the Bureau of Land Management’s Southwest District; Terry Knight of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; Betsy Chapoose of the Northern Ute Tribe; Greg Shoop, BLM Colorado acting state director; Marietta Eaton, manager of Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum; Casey Hammond, Department of Interior deputy assistant secretary for lands and minerals; and Connie Clementson, manager of the BLM Tres Rios Field Office.
