Native American groups call Utah town's battle re-enactment ignorant, racist - East Idaho News

10.9.17

Native American groups call Utah town's battle re-enactment ignorant, racist - East Idaho News: The story goes on to outline the narrative of hard-working pioneer families who faced trials against Native Americans, a group who had decided, the announcer says, “the white men could not stay.”

“The Indians thought they could burn the pioneers’ building to the ground,” the announcer says.

According to the story, a fight ensued with Native Americans in the Battle of the Bear River.

Ultimately, the announcer talks of how the pioneers stood their ground, and Wellsville went on to flourish.

“The pioneers, they were here to stay,” the voice says to the crowd.

It’s the portrayal of Native Americans, and how they’re woven into the Sham Battle’s narrative, that has groups upset. Among those reacting are the Ute Political Action Committee (Ute PAC), Utah League of Native American Voters, and Peaceful Advocates for Native Dialogue & Organizing Support (PANDOS).