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Timpanogos Chief Wakara Author Phillip B Gottfredson - Gary Lee Price Scultor
*My Journey To Understand Black Hawk's Mission of Peace* began in 1989 when my brother and I read our great-grandfather's book, Indian Depredations in Utah. Peter Gottfredson’s book is a firsthand account of the Black Hawk War in Utah. Father told us that Black Hawk and Peter were about the same age and hung out together as teenagers. Father lived with Peter when he was a teen and told us his grandfather spent much of his time in the Indian camps. I was curious what Peter's experience was like. The most logical place to start learning everything we could about the Black Hawk War was the library.
We began learning all about the Black Hawk War, reading every book we could find on the subject. It was then that it became clear to us that every account we read was one-sided, written from the Mormon perspective, with never any mention of the Indian side of the story. So we did what seemed perfectly logical to us and set about finding Native people who could teach us their side of the story. That led us down a path that would forever change our lives. That's where my story begins.
My book is a companion book to Peter's. I pick up the story where Peter leaves off. I write extensively about the Black Hawk War in Utah from the perspective of Utah's Native Americans, then share my experiences living with Native Americans.
I lived with Native American Tribes for over 2 decades, throughout North and South
America. Elders of the Shoshonee and other Tribes, invited me to participate in numerous ceremonies. It was life-changing. The spiritual experiences humbled me, profoundly changed my understanding of what it means to be human, and opened my eyes to the sacred connection we have with Mother Earth.
The elders welcomed me, shared their culture and wisdom, and asked me to honor their teachings by speaking the truth and sharing what I learned with my culture. As they said, “They will listen to you because you are white.”
The spiritual experiences described in this book go against traditional and bigoted stereotypes which have unfairly given Indigenous American peoples negative labels.
Sadly, scholars ignore that the age-old message of Indigenous America is about 'connection, relationship, and unity.' All people are one. All are the direct living descendants of our Creator. Lakota Chief Joseph said, 'We have no qualms about color. It doesn't mean anything." Honesty, love, respect, courage, truth, wisdom, and humility, are ancient traditional virtues and values that Black Hawk and Indigenous people have honored throughout their history.
"When the world was created, the Creator touched it with his hand and therefore it is sacred and spiritual; the Land is our home and our mother, caring for all of her children; the Land is sacred and belongs to all those who inhabit it."
Was Timpanogos Chief Black Hawk a ‘murdering marauder’ that Brigham Young called him? No, he was not. He is someone I came to respect. Black Hawk is the hero of my book. He followed his ancestors’ teachings and shared a message of peace during his final journey, even though he was suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. In his last hours, he rode 200 miles by horseback across Utah to Spring Lake, where he was born. During this journey, he appealed to Mormon settlers to cease hostilities against his people and the environment and pursue a peaceful coexistence.
Some people see his mission of peace as surrender, but a man like this would never surrender. You didn’t see the settlers do this; it took a great man to do it. Black Hawk’s Mission of Peace is a legacy to be understood, treasured, and passed down through generations.
How do I know these things? I lived with the Timpanogos for over eight years, learning their history firsthand. They are the direct descendants of legendary chiefs, Wakara, Sanpitch (Black Hawk's Father), Arapeen, Tabby, Kanosh, Amon, and Tintic, The Timpanogos were the people Peter lived among for many years during the war. Now I know what grandfather Peter’s experience was like and why he loved them so much. And I feel it an honor to share my story with you.
Five Star Reviews!
"I finished reading your YOUR UNBELIEVABLE BOOK your experiences blew me away and I love how you dovetailed your views & everything so beautifully together!!! WOW WOW WOWWW!!!" - Gary Lee Price
My Journey to Understand ... Black Hawk's Mission of Peace grabbed me! The way you understand the Black Hawk War will change with Phillip B Gottfredson's detailed account, which brings the Timpanogos perspective to light—a viewpoint long overshadowed in history books. Through decades of living among First Nations people, Gottfredson shares insights from his spiritual journey and collaboration with tribal leaders. He uncovers the resilience and humanity of Timpanogos leader Black Hawk, who sought peace even in the face of devastation. This book offers more than history—it’s a powerful reflection on forgiveness, equality, and the sacred connection between humanity and the Earth. — that’s masterful storytelling. - James Timothy
"Mr. Gottfredson has done an amazing job of telling this story with passion and honesty. As you follow him through his journey of discovery, you will be captivated by his experiences. Bravo, Sir !" -Barely Ablemann, Washington DC
"This account is critical to understanding history from more than one perspective. This book brings light and knowledge to history that has been absent since the colonization of the United States." -J. Ferguson
"I am not exaggerating when I say that this book has changed my life. I can't recommend it enough". -Stephanie T Lundeen
"Diana and I have just finished reading a book that is told from the long forgotten Timpanogos Nation by Phil Gottfredson or Mr. Phil. My heart heaved. And the tears flowed from both our eyes as we heard the Indian version and their stories. This book ranks in the top 5 of all the hundreds of books that I have ever read in my life...and I have read hundreds if not thousands. Please purchase a copy of this book and read it. Truth matters. - Larry Ballard, Utah
"Wow... where do I start? I am grateful I read this book. I am grateful for the Author who wrote this book. I will be buying more copies to give away, and for sure recommending this book to as many will listen. 5-Stars" - Marcus Hadlock, Utah
ORDER HERE!
My journey to understand...
Black Hawk's Mission of Peace!
Hi, this is Phillip. Buy direct from me so I can personally autograph your book!
from my heart to yours, THANK YOU !
*My unsigned editions: softcover $20.99 & hardcover for $37.95, are available at:
Archway Publishing Amazon Books ThriftBooks Ebay Books Walmart
And fine bookstores everywhere!!
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Copyright: 2019
Buy my great-granpa's book too...
Indian Depredations in Utah
by Peter Gottfredson 1919
Phillip B Gottfredson’s quest for truth began with his great-grandfather Peter Gottfredson’s classic history, Indian Depredations in Utah — a cornerstone work in the annals of Utah history.
First published in 1919, the book offers a rare firsthand account of early settlement in the Great Basin and the violent conflicts that devastated the Timpanogos Nation during the era of Mormon expansion and settler colonialism. Deeply meaningful to Phillip, the work became the foundation for his lifelong journey to better understand Indigenous history, identity, and reconciliation.
Indian Depredations in Utah and My Journey to Understand Black Hawk's Mission of Peace, published one hundred years apart in 1919 and 2019, stand as companion books — two generations connected by a shared search for historical truth and understanding.
Indian Depredations in Utah is currently available from Amazon in a softcover edition for $20.95. Phillip has added a new preface; otherwise, the book remains exactly as originally published.
5-star Reviews! "Peter Gottfredson's Indian Depredations in Utah is a classic firsthand account of the Black Hawk War in Utah. I highly recommend this account to anyone." -Benson Littlefield
"A very interesting book. Even though I live in Utah, and am somewhat of a history buff, this book tells a lot more about the Indians in Utah than I ever knew. It was worth my time to read it." -Ken in Riverton
Don't let the voices of the past go unheard. Purchase your copy now !!
