Governor Herbert’s annual Native American Summit was held this month with Utah’s Native American communities gathering for the summit’s theme, “Embracing Paths to Success.” Educational opportunities and economic development were both topics as was the importance of peace and unity, among many other topics. At the launch of the summit, the Salt Lake Tribune announced that the Ute Tribe was pulling out of the annual summit, citing what they consider mistreatment by the state government. The Ute tribal leaders outlined their concerns in a letter that was delivered during the summit, stating that they want the state government to treat the tribe as a sovereign nation. Tribe Councilman Shaun Chapoose is quoted as saying the tribe has its own relationship with the federal government and does not need the state acting on its behalf. “We’re well adapted to determine our own future and we’re willing to take the leap forward,” says Chapoose. “We have nothing to lose, because basically the only one who is going to protect us is ourselves.” Utah Lt. Governor Spencer Cox commented that he was surprised by the withdrawal because he felt that meetings with the tribe chair have been productive.
