Ute Indian Rights Settlement facts for kids
The Northern Ute Tribe is one of three related Ute tribes. They live on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in northeastern Utah. About 3,500 people are part of the Northern Ute Tribe. This article explains their history, especially about their water rights and an important agreement with the United States government.
Contents
The Northern Ute Tribe
The Northern Ute Tribe is a group of Native American people. They are one of three main Ute tribes. Their history is very old and important to the land they live on.
Their Home and History
The Northern Ute Tribe lives on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. This reservation is located in the northeastern part of Utah. The tribe manages and cares for this land. Around 3,500 members make up the Northern Ute Tribe today.
Water Rights and Agreements
In 1965, the Northern Ute Tribe made an agreement about their water. They allowed the United States Bureau of Reclamation to move some water. This water came from the Uinta Basin, which is part of the Colorado River Basin. The water was moved to the Great Basin.
The Central Utah Project
Moving this water helped supply the Bonneville Unit. This unit was part of a bigger plan called the Central Utah Project. In return, the Bureau of Reclamation promised something important. They agreed to plan and build special facilities for the tribe. These facilities were called the Unitah, Upalco, and Ute Indian Units. They would help store the tribe's water.
The 1992 Settlement
By 1992, the Bureau of Reclamation had not built these promised facilities. They had made very little progress. To make up for this, a new law was passed. It was called the Central Utah Project Completion Act (P.L. 102-575). This law included something called the Ute Indian Rights Settlement.
What the Settlement Meant
Under the 1992 settlement, the Northern Ute Tribe received money. This money was to help them develop their community.
- They received $49.0 million for farming and land development.
- They received $29.5 million for fun activities and protecting animals.
- They received $125 million for growing their economy.
The United States Department of the Interior helps manage this settlement.
