Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah is a group of Native American people who live in southwestern Utah. They are officially recognized by the government of the United States as a special kind of tribe.

This tribe is made up of two different groups of people: the Southern Paiute and the Ute. Both of these groups have their own special traditions and histories, but they work together as one tribe in Utah today.

The Paiute people have lived in this area for many years, long before it was called Utah. They have a rich culture and many interesting stories about their past. Today, they continue to keep their traditions alive and share them with others.

Reservation

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (PITU) has a reservation with ten pieces of land. These lands are in four counties in the southwestern part of Utah.

History

Two groups of Ute people joined the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. The Pahvant band lived near Sevier Lake, west of the Wasatch Mountains. Some were moved by the US government, but others joined settlements in Utah. The second group was the Moanunts, who lived near Sevier River and Otter Creek.

Termination and restoration

From the 1940s to the 1960s, the US government tried to stop supporting the Paiute Indian Tribe. In 1954, laws were passed to end federal support for the tribe. This ended the tribe’s lands and trust status. In 1980, new laws were passed to restore the tribe’s status and help them get land again. The tribe’s trust lands were reinstated on over 43,000 acres.

Indian termination policy

21st century

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah has its tribal headquarters in Cedar City, Utah. In 2006, there were 840 members of the tribe. The tribe's leaders include Tamra "Tami" Borchardt-Slayton as chairperson and Patrick Charles as vice-chairperson.

The tribe runs its own programs to help with health, housing, education, and economic growth. Some ideas for future projects include geothermal plants, farms, small shops, restaurants, hotels, and cultural centers.

Bands

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah has five bands. Each band has its own history and community. These bands have been independent for many years.

The Cedar Band of Paiutes, also called Suh’dutsing or the "Cedar People," got federal recognition in 1980. Their headquarters is in Cedar City, Utah.

The Kanosh Band of Paiutes, known as Kawnaw’os meaning "willow jug," was first recognized in 1929. Their main office is in Cedar City, Utah, with another office in Kanosh, Utah.

The Koosharem Band of Paiutes, called Paw goosawd’uhmpuhtseng or the "Water Clover People," received recognition in 1928. Their headquarters is in Richfield, Utah.

The Indian Peaks Band of Paiutes, named Kwee’choovunt or the "Peak People," was recognized in 1915 and lives in Beaver County, Utah. Their office is in Cedar City, Utah.

The Shivwits Band of Paiutes, known as See’veetseng or the "Whitish Earth People," set up their first reservation in 1891 and were recognized that year. They live in Washington County, Utah, with their headquarters in Ivins, Utah.

Tribal flag

The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah has a flag that was officially confirmed in 1997. The flag uses colors with special meanings: white for purity, red and black for strength, and yellow for healing. The largest symbol on the flag is an eagle, which represents their spiritual beliefs. The flag also shows images related to traditional songs, games, and arrowheads. The design looks like a warrior's shield, with five eagle feathers at the bottom representing the five modern-day groups that make up the tribe.