The year 2003 marked a crucial juncture for the Terminated Mixed Blood Uinta Band of Ute Indians of Utah. Decades after their termination, the group organized a public meeting and demonstration to bring awareness to their plight and seek justice. This article delves into the details of that pivotal meeting, the key figures involved, and the context surrounding their struggle for recognition and reconciliation.
The Call to Gather: A Meeting at the Holiday Inn
On June 28, 2003, the Holiday Inn in Heber, Utah, served as the location for a significant gathering of individuals identifying as members of the Terminated Mixed Blood Uinta Band of Ute Indians. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the meeting provided a platform for the Uinta Band to address their concerns, share their history, and rally support for their cause. The event was open to the public, with a specific invitation extended to members of the news media, signaling the group’s intention to amplify their message beyond their immediate community.
Key Speakers: Advocates for Justice
The meeting featured two prominent speakers, each bringing unique expertise and perspective to the discussion.
- Attorney Dennis Chappabitty: Identified as a Native American Federal Attorney, Chappabitty played a central role as the legal representative in the Felter v. Norton case. This legal battle was the crux of the Uinta Band’s struggle, representing their attempt to challenge the termination and reclaim their rights and recognition. His presence at the meeting underscored the legal dimension of their fight.
- Bennie Earl LeBeau: Hailing from Riverton, Wyoming, LeBeau’s participation added a personal and potentially historical dimension to the proceedings. His role suggests a deep connection to the Uinta Band and a commitment to advocating for their cause. The specific nature of his contribution would likely have centered on his lived experience and knowledge of the historical context of the termination.
A Walk for Truth, Reconciliation, and Justice
The meeting at the Holiday Inn was not merely a series of speeches. It served as a prelude to a more symbolic act of solidarity and protest: a "walk for Truth, Reconciliation, and Justice." Following the formal proceedings, participants were invited to join a procession from the Holiday Inn to the Pow Wow Grounds. This walk was designed as a public display of unity and a visual representation of their journey toward recognition and redress.
The choice of the Pow Wow Grounds as the destination for the walk carried significant cultural weight. Pow wows are traditional Native American gatherings that celebrate heritage, community, and spirituality. By concluding their walk at this location, the Uinta Band symbolically grounded their fight for justice within their cultural identity and asserted their continued connection to their ancestral traditions.
An Invitation to Native American Brothers and Sisters
Recognizing the importance of intertribal solidarity, the Uinta Band extended a special invitation to "all of our Native American Brothers and Sisters" to attend the meeting and participate in the walk. This appeal for support highlights the interconnectedness of Native American communities and the understanding that the struggle for justice for one group can resonate with others facing similar challenges. This invitation to other Native American tribal members indicates that the Uinta Band of Ute Indians were looking for outside support in the Felter v. Norton case.
A Spiritual Battle: Seeking Divine Guidance
Beyond the legal and political dimensions of their struggle, the Uinta Band framed their fight as a "spiritual battle." In their announcement, they requested prayers and acknowledged their reliance on divine guidance. This spiritual framing reflects the deep connection between Native American identity, spirituality, and the fight for justice. It underscores the understanding that their struggle was not merely about legal rights but also about the preservation of their cultural and spiritual heritage.
The concluding phrase, "May Grandfather bless all of us!!" further emphasizes the spiritual dimension of their struggle. "Grandfather" is a term often used in Native American cultures to refer to the Creator or a higher power, reflecting a reverence for the spiritual forces that guide and sustain them.
Context: The Termination Era and the Uinta Band
To fully understand the significance of the 2003 meeting and demonstration, it’s crucial to consider the historical context of the termination era. In the mid-20th century, the United States government implemented a policy of "termination," aimed at ending the federal government’s trust relationship with Native American tribes. This policy involved dissolving tribal governments, distributing tribal lands to individual members, and subjecting Native Americans to state laws.
The termination policy had devastating consequences for many tribes, leading to loss of land, cultural disruption, and economic hardship. The Terminated Mixed Blood Uinta Band of Ute Indians of Utah were among those affected by this policy. The specifics of their termination likely involved the distribution of tribal assets and the loss of federal recognition.
The Felter v. Norton case, referenced in the meeting announcement, likely represented a legal challenge to the termination decision. By suing the Secretary of the Interior (the "Norton" in the case title), the Uinta Band aimed to overturn the termination and regain their tribal status and associated rights. The FELTER V. NORTON MEETING – TERMINATED UINTA MIXED BLOODS OF UTAH was of significance.
The Significance of the Meeting and Demonstration
The 2003 meeting and demonstration organized by the Terminated Mixed Blood Uinta Band of Ute Indians of Utah represented a powerful act of resistance and resilience. It demonstrated their determination to fight for their rights, preserve their cultural heritage, and seek justice for the injustices they had suffered.
The meeting served multiple purposes:
- Raising Awareness: By inviting the media and the public, the Uinta Band aimed to bring attention to their plight and educate others about the history and consequences of the termination policy.
- Building Solidarity: The invitation to other Native American tribes and the call for prayers sought to build a broad base of support for their cause.
- Reaffirming Identity: The walk to the Pow Wow Grounds and the emphasis on spirituality reaffirmed their cultural identity and their continued connection to their traditions.
- Advancing Legal Action: The presence of Attorney Dennis Chappabitty highlighted the legal dimension of their struggle and the importance of the Felter v. Norton case.
Conclusion: A Continuing Struggle
The FELTER V. NORTON MEETING – TERMINATED UINTA MIXED BLOODS OF UTAH in 2003 was a single event in a long and ongoing struggle for justice and recognition. While the specific outcome of the Felter v. Norton case remains to be definitively ascertained without further research, the meeting itself stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Terminated Mixed Blood Uinta Band of Ute Indians of Utah. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of the termination era and the ongoing need for reconciliation and justice for Native American tribes. The events surrounding the FELTER V. NORTON MEETING – TERMINATED UINTA MIXED BLOODS OF UTAH remain relevant as discussions regarding Native American rights and tribal sovereignty continue into the 21st century. The FELTER V. NORTON MEETING – TERMINATED UINTA MIXED BLOODS OF UTAH serves as a reminder of past injustices and the ongoing pursuit of truth and reconciliation.