In 1964, the Ute Tribe terminated the 480 Mix-blood Members of the tribe. Some say they voted to be terminated. Others disagree. It is also told that the entire tribe was to be terminated. This came about so that Indians could do their own business without government influence or control.
(see http://www.undeclaredutes.net/TerminationList.html)
Mom was #418. Her mother, and siblings: Judi, Walt, Henry, Rang (Ruben Jr), Pearl, and Jack were all terminated. Her younger sisters, Joan and Marie were never enrolled with the Ute Tribe due to termination.
This is a great misfortune because it not only affect those that were terminated but many generations. Today, there is still contention about what being Indian means. Those of us that are the next generation have been denied opportunities to participate in Native American programs in school, scholarships, etc. Some have married back into the tribe but have not been able to enroll their children because the tribe will not recognize the mix blood quantum.
At the time of termination, the mixed bloods were given so much cattle, sheep and $1000 for their separation with the tribe. They lost their hunting and fishing rights. In the early 1980's the tribe was sued so the mixed bloods received their hunting and fishing rights.
My grandmother and a few other family members felt that $1000 was not enough for something they felt was a birthright. This small group held out and the tribe finally agreed to give them 18,000 acres land between Hanna and Rock Creek. The 26 mix bloods that held out for land formed the Red Rock Corporation to manage the land. The Murdocks also received land in Rock Creek but did not belong to the corporation.
Below is a picture of Mom's Grandpa Elmer Denver (Lena's dad). Most of these kids are his grandkids and some nieces and nephews. Most, if not all, were terminated from the Ute Tribe. My mom is in the white blouse, second from the right, sitting on the floor in the front row. Her sister, Pearl is in the black jumper, fourth from the right on the front row. Mom's oldest sister, Judi is standing behind Grandpa Elmer holding the baby which may be Mom's younger brother Jack. Henry, my mom's brother is second on the left of Judi. Walt (my mom's brother) is third from the left on the back row.
