The landscape of sports and mascot representation is under the microscope and many organizations are following a call for change. Some organizations, however, are not prescribing to the scrutiny. The University of Utah and the Ute Indian Tribe are one such example having made it known that their agreement is appreciated on both sides. Just a few months ago in March, a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties was renewed, which allows the university’s sports teams to continue its use of the name “Utes”, something that the university has used with the support of the tribe since 1972. Luke Duncan, the chairman of the Ute Indian Tribal Business Committee, emphasized at that time that “the Ute Indian Tribe is pleased to continue its partnership with the University of Utah. This agreement renews our shared commitment to building genuine respect and understanding of our tribe’s history, as well as our goal to support our youth in pursuing their education.” One of the reasons for the continued relationship is that by allowing the University to continue to use the Ute name it helps the Ute Indian Tribe with their two fold goal: to build a genuine respect and understanding of the Tribe’s history, culture and contributions to the state, as well as having the University as a resource to assist tribal members in helping their children lead healthy lives and be prepared to pursue a college education. It is because of these goals that included in the agreement is the Ute Proud educational campaign which shares Ute Indian history and culture and educates sports fans on what is and isn’t appropriate behavior concerning Ute and other Native American populations. “We are honored to continue using the Ute name and we acknowledge the special responsibility our athletes and fans bear to the Ute Indian Tribe,” shares University of Utah athletics director Mark Harlan. “Ute history is Utah history. We look forward to carrying the name forward with understanding and respect toward our state’s namesake people.” To learn more about the Ute Proud campaign, visit www.uteproud.utah.edu.
Photo Credit: University of Utah
