Ute tribes confront historical treaty violations and land loss in Colorado and Utah

The Colorado House convened on January 16, 2025, to discuss significant historical and cultural issues affecting Indigenous communities in the state. A key focus of the meeting was the historical injustices faced by the Ute tribes, particularly regarding land treaties and the exploitation of resources.

During the discussions, it was highlighted that treaties made with the Ute tribes were repeatedly broken, particularly in the 1870s when Felix Brunot, through deceptive practices, persuaded the tribes to relinquish more land for the benefit of mining companies. This led to the loss of approximately 3.7 million acres of land, a situation that was confirmed by Congress despite evidence of fraud in the negotiations.

The meeting also addressed the establishment of the current reservation for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, which was created by treaty in 1878 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, along with the Ute Mountain Utes and other bands, continues to advocate for recognition and rights related to their ancestral lands.

The discussions underscored the ongoing impact of historical treaties on the Ute tribes and the need for acknowledgment and reparative measures. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these issues and their implications for current policies affecting Indigenous communities in Colorado.