The Paiute people have lived in southern Utah and parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada for a thousand years. Before and during the historic period, the Paiutes often: Moved frequently to gather and hunt. Lived in cone-shaped wickiups (especially in winter) or in the open air. Later some used tepees. Knew plants very well—they used at least 96 species of plants. Used the pinyon pine nut as an important food. Ate big and small animals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. Gathered and ate wild seeds, plants, roots. Caught fish and small animals. Prayed to influence the spirits of nature and to show respect and gratitude. They called the most powerful spirit being “The One Who Made the Earth.” Grew corn, squash, beans, sunflowers, wheat, melons. Wore clothing made from skins and plants; or wore little clothing in warm weather. Traveled and lived in small family groups of 15-30. Wove baskets for storage and carrying water; hats; trays for winnowing seeds; and bowls. Also made pottery. Horses and stolen children Much of the time the several bands of Paiutes lived in friendship with the neighboring Utes. But when the Ute people acquired horses, some began to raid Paiute camps and steal women and children. They then traded their captives to the Spanish as slaves. Navajos and Spanish traders also stole Paiute children to sell as slaves. How the settlers unsettled Paiute lives When Mormons moved onto the Paiutes’ best living and foraging spots, the Paiutes’ lives changed even more. The Mormons worked to convert the Indians to their faith. They hired them to help on their farms, and they shared their agricultural knowledge. Unfortunately, they also brought diseases that killed many Paiutes. And they took over the traditional Paiute lands. Within three decades, the majority of Paiutes had died. Once an independent people, they became destitute. Moving forward The Mormon individuals who slaughtered more than 100 emigrants in the Mountain Meadows Massacre claimed that Paiutes helped with the killing. But the Paiutes today deny that their ancestors had a part in that massacre. More and more white moved onto or ran their livestock on traditional Paiute lands. In 1891 the government solved the conflict by moving the Shivwits Paiutes onto a reservation. Other reservations followed. Today the tribe owns 4,470 acres scattered throughout southwestern Utah. The tribe owns land in two main areas, near Ivins and south of Cedar City. AA.edu
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 02:16:40 +0000
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