The Ute Tribe – Roaming the Rockies
The Ute Tribe, a significant member of the Shoshonean linguistic family, carved a prominent place for themselves in the history of the American West. Their story is one of adaptation, resilience, and ultimately, survival in the face of immense pressure. Linguistically linked to other tribes such as the Paiute, Chemehuevi, Kawaiisu, and Bannock, the Ute people possessed a cultural tapestry woven from the threads of nomadic life, spiritual connection to the land, and a fierce warrior spirit.
Initially, the Ute Tribe was organized into seven distinct bands, each with its own territory and customs. These included the Capote, Mouache, Parianucs, Tabeguache, Uintah, Weeminuche, and Yampa bands. Their domain was vast, encompassing a sprawling 150,000 square miles. This area covered the heart of central and western Colorado, the eastern reaches of Utah, and the northern portion of the San Juan region of New Mexico. This expansive territory provided the Ute Tribe with a diverse range of resources, from the high mountain forests to the arid desert landscapes.
The name "Ute" itself holds significance, translating to "land of the sun." This connection to the sun underscores the tribe’s deep relationship with the environment and its resources. In fact, the very state of Utah derives its name from the Ute Tribe, a lasting testament to their historical presence and influence in the region. Before adopting the Plains Indians’ teepee, they lived in wickiups. Scattered across their vast territory, these bands sustained themselves through hunting wild game, fishing in the rivers and streams, and gathering nuts, berries, and edible greens. This nomadic lifestyle allowed them to follow the seasonal migrations of animals and the ripening of plant resources, ensuring their survival in a challenging environment.
The cultural practices of the Ute Tribe reflected their close connection to the natural world. Polygamy was a common practice, often involving a man marrying sisters or taking on the widow of a deceased brother. Their religious beliefs were deeply rooted in nature, with a form of animalistic worship that recognized the spiritual power inherent in all living things. The bear held a particularly significant place in their spiritual life, and the Utes gathered every spring for the annual Bear Dance, known as "Momaqui Mowat." This dance was a celebration of the bear’s strength and spirit, and a way for the Utes to connect with the animal’s power. Equally important was the Summer Sun Dance, their most sacred ceremony. During this event, participants would undergo a four-day fast within the Sun Dance Lodge, seeking spiritual power and guidance.
The arrival of Europeans brought dramatic changes to the lives of the Ute Tribe. The Spanish introduced horses, which the Utes referred to as "magic dogs." These animals revolutionized their way of life, transforming them into skilled horsemen and expanding their hunting and raiding capabilities. Later, Mormon settlers introduced agriculture, prompting some bands to adopt a more settled lifestyle. However, the Northern Ute resisted agriculture, preferring to maintain their nomadic traditions. The Utes also became involved in trading horses and, unfortunately, in the slave trade, further altering their social and economic landscape.
The acquisition of horses intensified the Utes’ already warlike nature. They became formidable warriors, feared by both neighboring tribes and encroaching settlers. Raiding parties became a common occurrence, as the Utes sought to defend their territory and resources. As Mormon settlers increasingly encroached upon their lands, tensions escalated, leading to the Walker War in 1853. This conflict marked a significant turning point in the relationship between the Ute and the settlers, highlighting the growing resentment and resistance to the loss of their ancestral lands.
The U.S. government attempted to establish peaceful relations with the Ute through a series of treaties. The first treaty, intended to foster peace and amity, was signed in 1849. In 1861, the Uintah Valley was designated for the Uintah tribe, but this came at the cost of relinquishing the remainder of their vast territory. Two years later, the Tabeguache were assigned to a reservation. Another treaty in 1868 established a reservation in Colorado for several Ute bands, including the Tabeguache, Moache, Capote, Wiminuche, Yampa, Grand River, and Uinta. However, even this agreement required the Utes to cede even more land to the government. Over the following years, the reservation boundaries were repeatedly altered as portions of the treaties were repealed and lands were opened to public domain.
Recognizing the threat to his people and their way of life, one of the Ute’s greatest leaders, Chief Ouray, traveled to Washington, D.C., in 1870. He hoped to negotiate a fair settlement that would protect the Ute Tribe‘s lands and rights. Despite his efforts, the tide of westward expansion proved too strong to resist.
Tensions continued to simmer, culminating in the tragic events of 1879. When a forest fire, started by railroad workers, was blamed on the Utes, they were ordered back to their reservation and confined there. In September, Indian Agent Nathan C. Meeker was assaulted following a dispute with a Ute man. Meeker requested military assistance, and orders were issued to arrest Utes accused of starting the forest fires. Major Thornburgh was dispatched with a force of 190 men. The Utes, fearing the worst, armed themselves and warned Meeker that the arrival of troops would be considered an act of war. On September 29, 1879, the Utes attacked the agency, burning the buildings and killing Meeker and nine of his employees. Meeker’s wife, daughter, and another girl were taken captive for 23 days. This incident, known as the Meeker Massacre, marked a devastating low point in the relationship between the Ute and the U.S. government.
The U.S. military responded swiftly, forcing the Ute back onto their reservations. The Meeker Massacre, alongside the Ghost Dance outbreak of the Sioux in 1890, stands as one of the most violent expressions of Native American resentment toward the reservation system. In the aftermath, the Ute were further confined, and by 1881, all Ute bands had been forcibly removed to reservation lands in Utah and Colorado.
Despite the hardships they have faced, the Ute people have persevered. Today, the Ute Tribe has adapted to the modern world while striving to preserve their cultural heritage. The Ute reservations have diversified their economies, engaging in farming, ranching, oil and gas development, gambling, and tourism. Each reservation operates its own government, working to promote its heritage, language, and traditions for future generations. The story of the Ute Tribe is a testament to their enduring spirit and their determination to maintain their identity in the face of adversity.