Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 928 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Utah) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Southern Paiute | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Native American Church, traditional tribal religion, previously Ghost Dance | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Southern Paiute tribes, Chemehuevi, and Ute |
The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah is a Native American tribe officially recognized by the United States government. This tribe is made up of Southern Paiute and Ute individuals living in southwestern Utah.
Contents
Where the Tribe Lives
The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (PITU) has a special area of land called a reservation. This reservation is not one big piece of land. Instead, it's made up of ten different areas of land. These lands are spread across four counties in southwestern Utah.
A Look at Their History
Two groups of Ute people became part of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. One group was the Pahvant band. They used to live in the dry desert areas near Sevier Lake in western Utah. Many Pahvants were moved by the US government to the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. However, some joined other settlements in Utah, like Kanosh and Koosharem.
The second group was the Moanunts. They traditionally lived near the Sevier River and Otter Creek, which is south of Salina, Utah.
When the Tribe Lost and Gained Recognition
From the 1940s to the 1960s, the US government had a policy called the Indian termination policy. This policy aimed to end the special relationship between the government and Native American tribes. The Paiute Indian Tribe was chosen for this "termination."
On September 1, 1954, the US Congress passed a law to end the government's supervision over the Paiute Indians of Utah. This law meant that the federal government would no longer hold tribal lands in trust for the tribe. Instead, the lands would be given to individuals or a tribal group. The law also tried to protect the tribe's water rights and offered education programs. These programs were meant to help tribal members learn new skills and become more independent citizens. The government ended its trust for the tribe's lands in 1957.
However, on April 3, 1980, Congress passed the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Restoration Act. This new law brought back the federal government's trust relationship with the Shivwits, Kanosh, Koosharem, and Indian Peaks Bands of the Paiute Indian Tribe. It also officially recognized the Cedar Band as part of the tribe. The law understood that some bands had lost their lands because of the earlier termination, and the Cedar Band had never had any. It planned to help the tribe get new reservation land, up to 15,000 acres. The government quickly brought back the federal trust for over 43,000 acres of land when the law was passed.
The Tribe Today
The main office for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah is in Cedar City, Utah. In 2006, there were 840 people officially enrolled as members of the tribe. The current tribal chairperson is Tamra "Tami" Borchardt-Slayton, and the vice-chairperson is Patrick Charles.
The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah runs its own programs. These programs help tribal members with health care, mental health support, housing, education, and ways to grow their economy. The tribe is looking into new business ideas. These include projects like geothermal energy plants, farms, convenience stores, gift shops, restaurants, hotels, and cultural centers.
The Tribe's Bands
The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah is made up of five main groups, called bands. These bands have been independent communities for hundreds of years.
Cedar Band of Paiutes
The "Cedar Band of Paiute Indians" is also known as Suh’dutsing, which means "Cedar People." They officially received federal recognition on April 3, 1980. Their band's main office is in Cedar City, Utah. The chairperson for the Cedar Band is Travis N. Parashonts.
Kanosh Band of Paiutes
The "Kanosh Band of Paiute Indians" is called Kawnaw’os, meaning "willow [water] jug." They first received federal recognition on February 11, 1929. Their band's main office is in Cedar City, Utah. They also have another tribal office in Kanosh, Utah, which is close to their traditional homeland. The chairperson for the Kanosh Band is Corrina Bow.
The "Koosharem Band of Paiute Indians" is known as Paw goosawd’uhmpuhtseng, or "Water Clover People." They first received federal recognition on March 3, 1928. Their band's main office is in Richfield, Utah. The chairperson for the Koosharem Band is LaTosha Mayo.
Indian Peaks Band of Paiutes
The "Indian Peaks Band of Paiute Indians" is called Kwee’choovunt, meaning "Peak People." They first received federal recognition on August 2, 1915. They have lands in Beaver County, Utah. Their band's main office is in Cedar City, Utah. The chairperson for the Indian Peaks Band is Jeanine Borchardt.
Shivwits Band of Paiutes
The first reservation for the "Shivwits Band of Paiutes" or See’veetseng ("Whitish Earth People") was created in 1891. They received federal recognition on March 3, 1891. They have lands in Washington County, Utah. Their band's main office is in Ivins, Utah. The chairperson for the Shivwits Band is Patrick Charles.
