Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Chief Ignacio - Ute

Chief Ignacio

Birth

Ignacio was born in 1828, in San Juan County, Colorado. 

Youth

Tribal history states that at age fourteen he killed every member of a rival family to avenge the murder of his father.

1870s

He was more statesmanlike but no less resolute in the 1870s, when conflict between the Utes and white settlers reached its peak. A savvy negotiator, he gained the respect of U.S. officials during treaty discussions.

1886

His testimony before a Senate subcommittee in 1886 helped the Weenuche secure a favorable land settlement, and he thwarted the government's attempt to divide the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation into individual holdings.

Death

Ignacio died on December 9, 1913, in Montezuma County, Colorado. His leadership helped the Utes preserve dignity and hope in the face of unrelenting change