What does it mean to be a Utah “Ute”?
When fans of the University of Utah shape a “U” with thumbs and forefingers and declare “Go Utes!”—we unite in an enthusiastic tradition of celebration, pride and community.
We also evoke culture that is the bedrock of Utah’s history and its namesake.
Few Utah fans are of Ute descent, yet we align with them each time we use the phrase to display our institutional loyalty. In April 2014, the Ute Indian Tribe recommitted its support for the use of the Ute name. In turn, the U has committed to increase recognition of the rich human history of our state and recognizing the many ways Native American tribes in Utah continue to strengthen our communities.
So Utah fans – let’s get educated. When we say “Go Utes!” with a deeper understanding of the tribal Utes, our cheer becomes more than just distinctive shorthand for Utah. It takes on real meaning: carrying a “proud reflection” of the Ute culture and heritage, as well as all five Native American nations – Ute, Goshute, Navajo, Paiute and Shoshone – that are an elemental part of our region’s history.
Ute are a proud and fearless people.
Their language belongs to the Uto-Aztecan language family, which includes many Indian tribes from the southwestern United States, deep into Mexico. The Ute Nation once covered most of Utah, Colorado and northern New Mexico—long before the Spanish, trappers, traders, miners and Mormon pioneers arrived in the region. Utah Valley was the homeland of the Utah Ute who often traversed the Salt Lake Valley, which was a buffer zone between the Ute and their northerly Shoshone neighbors. Their knowledge of the land, prowess as warriors and wealth from sophisticated trade networks, allowed them to live with relative ease throughout their vast homeland. They maintained control over the region’s richest natural resources for thousands of years and vigorously defended their claim to this region from other tribes and settlers alike.
As new people came west, conflicts between cultures were inevitable. Lured by land, furs and minerals, a growing population increased pressures on finite resources and disrupted traditional stewardship practices. The Utes were cut off from their traditional way of life and were harmed by promises rarely kept. By 1882, the intruders had secured a takeover of Ute territory. The several Ute bands had been destroyed or consolidated as they were pushed off their wide-ranging lands into reservations in the Uintah Basin of eastern Utah.
Decades of policies damaging to Native Americans began to improve in the 1940s. Today, the Ute tribe retains its traditional wisdom, a strong culture and is an important contributor to the Utah economy. Ute values of integrity, respectful guardians of the natural environment, and commitment to the Utah community are ones we all can uphold. Be inspired to find out more. Our “Go Utes!” should reflect real understanding and deep respect for Utah’s peoples.
Ute Petroglyphs in Arches National Park
The Ute Nation once covered most of Utah, Colorado and northern New Mexico—long before the Spanish, trappers, traders, miners and Mormon pioneers arrived in the region. Photo credit: Sanjay Acharya - CC BY-SA 3.0