Ute People: An Historical Study by June Lyman is a thorough examination of the history, culture, and political struggles of the Ute people, with particular attention to the 20th-century period known as Termination. Lyman traces Ute history from pre-contact times through European-American settlement, highlighting how the Utes adapted to the harsh mountain and plateau environments while maintaining vibrant cultural and social traditions.
A central focus of the work is the Utes’ experience under U.S. federal Indian policy, especially during the mid-20th century, when the federal government pursued a policy of Termination and assimilation. Under Termination, the Utes—like many other tribes—faced the loss of federal recognition, the dissolution of tribal governments, and the privatization of communal lands. Lyman details how this policy threatened the political, economic, and cultural survival of the Ute people, forcing them to navigate complex legal, social, and economic challenges.
The book explores the Utes’ strategies of resistance and resilience in the face of Termination. Lyman documents efforts to maintain tribal sovereignty, preserve cultural traditions, and regain federal recognition, showing how these struggles reflected broader Native American advocacy movements in the United States. By connecting historical events with contemporary outcomes, the book illustrates the enduring impacts of Termination on Ute governance, land ownership, and community life.
Ute People: An Historical Study provides a detailed and nuanced account of Ute history, with special insight into the challenges posed by federal policies of Termination and assimilation. It is an essential resource for scholars, students, and general readers interested in Native American history, federal Indian policy, and the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and cultural survival among the Ute people.
