03/30/2026
Are the Timpanogos Utes?
The primary source to answer this nagging question is the Timpanogos Nation and their extensive documentation showing they are not Ute. It is concerning that the Timpanogos are rarely consulted directly. Their records include oral histories, vital records like birth and death certificates, and thousands of pages of Indian Agency documents, census rolls, and genealogies.
The earliest documentation relevant to the question is from the Juan Rivera Expedition of 1765, which records the first encounter by Juan Rivera. While searching for "The Bearded Ones," Rivera found them in the Utah Territory near Logo De Timpanogos.
The Dominguez and Escalante journals from 1776 explicitly state that the expedition encountered the Timpanogos, who spoke Shoshone. Several translations of these journals exist; the most widely used in Utah is The Dominguez Escalante Journal: Their Expedition Through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico by Ted J. Warner. However, it is important to note that the footnotes in Warner's edition frequently misidentify the Timpanogos as Ute.
Additionally, another account of the Spanish expedition: Escalante's Dream: On the Trail of the Spanish Discovery of the Southwest (2020) by David Roberts. Roberts, who held degrees from Harvard University and the University of Denver and served as a professor at Hampshire College, provides an account of the Dominguez-Escalante expedition that both David and I consider more accurate than Warner's.
In the early nineteenth century, fur trappers such as Etienne Provost (the namesake of Provo) and Jedediah Smith provided the next significant accounts. In 1824, Provost documented encounters with Timpanogos leaders along the Provo River, then called the Timpanogos River. These records depict a thriving nation with a sophisticated economy centered on the lake's abundant fishing resources.
Historian Hubert Howe Bancroft, writing in 1882, identified the Timpanogos as one of four sub-bands of the Shoshone.
The Spanish Fork Treaty of 1865 is a significant yet often overlooked document that identifies the leaders of the Timpanogos Nation at that time. “The Spanish Fork Treaty between the Timpanogos Nation and the United States government would fail ratification by Congress as it bore the signature of Brigham Young, thus leaving the Uinta Valley Reservation intact. Congress declared, "rather than associate with Brigham Young on such an occasion, they would have the negotiations fail; they would rather the Indians, than the Mormons, would have the land." - Commission of Indian Affairs Annual Report 1865, O.H. Irish (Source: Department of the Interior)” For more information see The Timpanogos Nation Is Snake-Shoshone.
03/25/2026
Erasure of the Timpanogos Nation
by Historian Phillip B Gottfredson
The document details how the U.S. government erased the Timpanogos Nation’s identity through administrative actions to resolve a land shortage. In the late 1800s, the Colorado Utes killed an Indian Agent by the name of Nathen Meeker, which resulted in federal officials relocating Ute groups from Colorado to the Uintah Valley Reservation as prisoners of war, on land that had originally been set aside for the Timpanogos (a Shoshone group).
To justify this, the Bureau of Indian Affairs began referring to the Timpanogos as “Utes,” erasing their distinct identity and sovereign rights. The document argues that the Timpanogos never disappeared or became Utes, but were reclassified to legitimize government land transfers. The U.S. government erased the Timpanogos Nation through administrative actions to resolve a land crisis.
By 1881, after violent conflicts, officials moved the White River and Uncompahgre Utes from Colorado. The only available land was the Uintah Valley Reservation, set aside in 1861 by President Lincoln for the Timpanogos. The Bureau of Indian Affairs started calling the Timpanogos Shoshone "Utes" to avoid admitting that the Colorado Utes had no legal right to the land as prisoners of war.
This allowed the government to treat both groups as one and obscured the Timpanogos' unique Shoshone identity and their sovereign rights. This administrative “Paper Genocide” was formalized in 1934, making the Timpanogos part of the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation.
Out numbered by Colorado bands, Timpanogos' history and language were suppressed. Utah and the federal government avoid recognition to keep control of land, water, and mineral rights worth billions, now held by the Ute Indian Tribe. If BIA records distinguish the Timpanogos from the Ute Indian Tribe, outcomes would include Colorado bands appearing as guests on Timpanogos land, and the 1934 Charter lacking a legal basis without a formal treaty or act of Congress. Records show the Timpanogos did not disappear or become Utes; they were reclassified in an attempt to legitimize government land transfers.
For more information see The Timpanogos Nation Is Snake-Shoshone
DECOLONIZE!
3/10/2026
by autor Phillip B Gottfredson
Settler colonialism is central to understanding the Utah Black Hawk War. The conflict demonstrates how settler colonialism functions: Brigham Young ordered the extermination of the Timpanogos Nation, leading to their removal, assimilation, boarding schools with graveyards, and blood quantum laws. Mormon colonization caused profound losses of life, resources, culture, language, and freedom for the Timpanogos.
Pardue University scholar Patrick Wolfe first coined the term in 1999. I first mentioned the term on our website in 2019. Only recently did I realize the role it plays in our everyday lives. Settler colonialism refers not just to centuries of Indigenous genocide, but how it has shaped society for everyone. The three Cs of settler civilization are christianity, commerce, which are used as a system to force conformity and servitude. I urge everyone to learn more about settler colonialism, especially as it is taught in schools nationwide.
"Whiteman's Burden," I vaguely remember being taught in one of my Social Studies classes. It's about imperialism (settler colonialism) that the United States has the burden of saving third-world countries from themselves. First introduced in the 1890s, the logic behind Whiteman's Burden is that the whiteman was taught they are God's chosen race and were given the devine responsibility to "save the heathens from hell, and get rich." It gave white men the excuse to invade other countries and seize their land and assets and enslave them, all in the name of righteous dominion. But wait! Whiteman's Burden is rooted in a 500 year old document called the Doctrine of Discovery. Yes, settler colonialism goes by many names. It's even cleverly hidden in the Declaration of Independence as Christian expansionism.
To begin your search use the terms "logic of settler colonialism," and "culture of settler colonialism." You can ask AI which comes back with concise answers, much to my suprise. And of course read our updated home page, I have applied settler colonialism to the story of the Black Hawk War in Utah to bring clarity and context.
Thank you for reading my article. Stay safe. Love to all!!
02/21/2026
THE THIRD ANNUAL RIVER WALK - SUCCESS!
Hi everyone! The third annual Fort Utah Massacre Walk in Provo, Utah, was a great success. It was a beautiful sunny day when some 50 people turned out in remembrance of the tragic Fort Utah Massacre that occurred in 1850 between the Timpanogos Nation and the Mormon militia.
In attendance were members of the Timpanogos Nation, Chief Executive Mary Meyer, Council members Perry Murdock and Carl, descendants of Chief Tabby, tribal members Julian and Mary Meyer, and descendants of LDS Church Leader Brigham Young. Historian Dr. John Perry Christiansen, Jared Furguson, a direct descendant of the only known survivor of the Circleville massacre, and several other notable people also attended.
Most importantly, many came to do the 5-mile walk that began at Geneva Rd. and Center Street in Provo and ended at the mouth of Rock Canyon. After the walk, everyone gathered at the Cosmos Gallery on Center Street in Provo for food, refreshments, and an open discussion about the history of Fort Utah and the Black Hawk War. Speakers were Timpanogos Chief Mary Meyer and historian and author Phillip B Gottfredson.
The gallery was packed as more supporters attended the gathering. After opening remarks by Mary Meyer and Phillip Gottfredson, the audience was invited to ask questions. The questions were pointed and direct. Many people asked how they can help the Timpanogos Tribe share their story with the public. The key question was about Brigham Young's infamous Orders 1 and 2 to exterminate the Timpanogos Tribe and seize their land. Mary, calm and poised, addressed the questions with compassion and truthfulness, staying direct and to the point. She explained that the extermination order still plays a part in the subjugation and genocide of her people. She cited many accounts of Tribe members being denied access to basic rights such as water, electricity, fishing, and hunting.
Mary also gave accounts of Timpanogos children and babies being taken from their parents by white people, followed by extreme child abuse. She reported a recent case where a baby was taken from its rightful parents and strangled, causing permanent physical damage. Because the parents are Indian and the perpetrators are white, they have no legal recourse. There is no justice because they are severely discriminated against by tribal courts.
These and many other stories of extreme abuse are more than enough reason to have the 1850 extermination order rescinded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Timpanogos Tribe expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Ken Cox, who organized the walk, and to all who have participated in it since it began in 2023. They have given the Timpanogos a valuable platform to raise public awareness of the ongoing injustices the Tribe has faced for more than 150 years.
How can we all help? Please sign the petition demanding that the LDS Church rescind the 1850 extermination order. Click here and sign the petition.
HEY! IT'S THE THIRD ANNUAL PROVO RIVER WALK!
Get some fresh air, excercise, good food,
and best of all,
honor the Timpanogos who's ancestors lives were lost.
We got this! See ya there!
Please Sign The Petition!
Hi, this is Phillip B Gottfredson. We ask our followers to click the link below and sign the petition urging the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to rescind Brigham Young's 1850 Extermination Order #1 and #2 on the Timpanogos Nation. The link takes you to my Facebook page where you will find the petition. It is easy and takes only a couple minutes. Thank You so much! Click here and sign the petition. (*Please note that Change.org is not affiliated with the Timpanogos Nation. Donations to Change.org does not benefit the Timpanogos. To make donations to the Timpanogos Nation please click here.
News From The Front!
Since 2019, when the book My Journey to Understand Black Hawk's Mission of Peace was published, a lot has happened. The Timpanogos Tribe reports that they are having difficulty keeping up with inquiries from individuals and organizations who have shown keen interest in their history. At BlackHawkProductions.com, we have also been busy keeping up with everything. Our narrative of the Utah Black Hawk War has come under scrutiny from critics and scholars. The good news is that we are still here and growing in popularity.
Our documentary film project, though temporarily interrupted by holidays and weather, we have laid out our itinerary for the months ahead. Filming will resume starting this month. Our director has said we are looking at another 6 months to a year before completion.
On February 21st, we will participate in the 3rd annual River Walk commemorating the Battle at Fort Utah, which occurred in 1850. We will be posting the details here shortly for all those interested. And a final note, we have made critical updates to our Fort Utah and Battle Creek stories for clarity. See Battle Creek Canyon &
Fort Utah Massacres 1849 to 1850
"I am grateful to all our follwers, and ask that you consider helping us by donating whatever you can to our GoFundMe project. Thank you so much!" Phillip B Gottfredson
1/09/2026
Glitches!
I spent hours doing a major rewrite of the home page for clarity and accuracy, uploaded it, then today the page somehow was the old version. I have corrected it, thanks to having backed up my work. I appologise for any confusion. - Phillip
12/31/2025
GOOD BYE 2025! HELLO 2026!
With the New Year just around the corner, on behalf of Black Hawk Productions, a BIG thank you for your continued support. It's been a challenging year for all of us, I know. But let's move forward with hope for a brighter future for all! We are grateful for the wonderful opportunities we enjoyed during 2025.
DOCUMENTARY FILM
Have you never heard of the Black Hawk War in Utah? The War was not a single event. Mormon Settler colonialism subjugated the Timpanogos to nearly 30 years of widespread starvation, a smallpox epidemic, over 150 violent encounters, loss of land, and over eight brutal massacres. These events led to a 90% decline in their population and irreversible damage to their culture.
So, who is more qualified to narrate the story of settler colonialism than its victims, the Shoshone Timpanogos Nation? In 2015, Mary Murdock Meyer, the Chief Executive of the Timpanogos Nation, initiated a collaboration with Phillip B Gottfredson to present their version and personal account of the Black Hawk War. Phillip underscores, "The Timpanogos perspective is not a mere footnote in the historical narrative of the Black Hawk War; it's a pivotal account that offers a firsthand view of these events."
What if you could step behind the camera and witness the untold moments that shape a film? That’s exactly where David White (Director) and I, Phillip B Gottfredson (Participant and Consultant Producer), have found ourselves since June, working with Know The Soul Productions. Every day brings a new discovery—a story unearthed, a challenge met, or a moment that leaves us speechless. Our timeline aims for late 2026, but the real goal is honesty and depth—capturing voices and truths that have long waited to be heard.
Then a Timpanogos descendant shared a memory so raw it changed the course of our film. Moments like that remind us why we’re pouring our hearts into this project. His relentless pursuit of authenticity and his eye for atmosphere keep every scene vibrant and real.
David White, Director, has insisted that a major portion of the film focus on my own back story—how I became involved with Native people, the sacrifices I made, and how, over nearly three decades, I gradually assimilated into their culture. He believes it’s a vital perspective that shows the outsider’s journey toward understanding and respect.
Yet, for me, the heart of this film is not my story, but that of the Timpanogos descendants. I see myself as a bridge, someone who can help bring their voices forward. The power of this project lies in giving space to those whose stories have too often gone unheard. By sharing both perspectives—my personal journey and the Timpanogos' reclamation of their narrative—we hope to create a richer, more honest film that resonates on many levels.
We’re approaching a major milestone: Know The Soul Productions will share an exclusive preview soon. This is your chance to get an early look and help shape the conversation. Watch for the announcement, share your thoughts, and help us spread the word—the more people who listen, the more powerful these stories become.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!
11/14/2025
Circleville Massacre
September 1866, 26 Koosharem Paiutes, men women and children throats were cut and buried in a mass grave. Why? Mormon settlers thought they were savages.
Yesterday I and filmmaker David White interviewed Jared Furguson whose second great-grandfather was the only child survivor.
Jared had brought to our attention of there being a bunch of interesting petroglyphs there, so we drove 180 miles to photograph them and more importantly to get Jared on camera telling the story of his grandfather, which was nothing less than hearbreaking.
All part of our documentary film we have been working on since last July. See Circleville Massacre for more information.
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