Each of the three Ute tribes has its own seal with images and icons that are important to the Tribes. The government of each tribe is elected by the members of the tribe.

The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 makes it law for the U.S. to deal with the tribes as a nation. Tribes living on reservations are considered sovereign nations within the United States, meaning the tribes have the right to create their own government.  In 1950, the three Ute tribes were awarded more than $31 million dollars for lands taken illegally by the U.S. government

Uintah and Ouray Reservation. In the center of the flag is a circular emblem that is composed of a spread-winged golden eagle. Emerging from the base of the two outside indian figures are the two claws of the eagle. The claws frame a geometric symbol composed of two red diamonds, a black diamond and blue and black triangles. The eagle claws clutch a ceremonial tobacco pipe.

Flag, Great Seal of the Ute Indian Tribe

History Colorado

The first Ute tribal councils were organized in the late 1930s as a result of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. Indian Tribes around the United States were given a template to create their own government, based on the U.S. Constitution. Each of the three Ute tribes decided on their own form of democratically-elected government.

This is a blue-background nylon flag with a white seamed hoist edge. There is white inscription running along the head on both sides. In the center of the fly is a white background circular canton with red inscription around the edge and imagery in the center

Flag, Great Seal of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe

They administer tribal affairs, make and enforce laws on the reservation, protect tribal land and resources, and run businesses.

This car decal would be placed on a Ute Mountain Ute tribal vehicle. The tribal seal is a symbol of tribal government and sovereignty. The Ute tribes place it on a variety of items, but those items are not for sale. They are given to and used by tribal chairmen and council members. They are sometimes given by chairmen and council members to others to commemorate sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship between the tribe and other government entities.

Standards for We Are Still Here-Government