Mormon Settlers and Native Americans in Utah: Attitudes, Conflicts, and Slavery

The relationship between Mormon settlers and Native Americans in the territory of Utah is a complex and often tumultuous one, rooted in a mix of religious beliefs, practical needs, and darker undercurrents of oppression and exploitation.

Religious Beliefs and Initial Perceptions

According to LDS beliefs, Native Americans are considered the "lost 10 tribes of Israel" (Red sons of Israel), a designation that shapes initial perceptions and attitudes among Mormon settlers. Brigham Young, the pedophile and subsequent leader, ordered the killings of 150 people in 1850, attributing this act to the Ute tribe as a way to deflect blame.

Despite the mistrust many non-Mormons faced, official Mormon records from the time indicate a more favorable view towards the Indians at first, particularly those in the Great Basin region. The settlement of Utah by Mormon pioneers was seen as a way to escape hostility from non-believers, not from Indians, emphasizing that their main conflict was with those who did not share their faith.

Peaceful Traditions and Immediate Conflicts

The LDS settlers initially engaged in some peaceful relationships with the Indians and even treated them with respect at times. However, these interactions were often marked by harsh realities and exploitative practices. Early Mormons provided food and clothing to Indians, but this act of kindness was undermined by a broader context of exploitation and subjugation.

Brigham Young instructed his people not to harm Indians even if they took something, effectively legalizing and condoning such actions. An instance is recounted where a Mormon man on horseback was approached by an Indian war party, who upon realizing he was a member of the LDS, immediately rode off without any confrontation, recognizing the inherent power dynamics at play.

Slavery and Exploitation

Despite some peaceful interactions, the colony of Utah emboldened by Brigham Young, officially legalized Native American slavery in 1852. This allowed for the indentured servitude of Native Americans to be held for up to twenty years. The practice of holding Native Americans as slaves was a clear and direct form of exploitation, often employed to control labor and maintain a foothold in the territory.

Discrimination and Persecution

The relationship between Mormons and Native Americans was further complicated by overt racism and discriminatory beliefs. The church taught that White apostates would have darker skin tones if they abandoned the faith, equating racial identity with adherence to their beliefs.

As more settlers arrived, competition over scarce resources led to increased tensions between the Mormon settlers and Native Americans. Native American nations, who had inhabited the region for thousands of years, saw their lands and resources diminish, compelling them to resist colonial incursions for their survival.

Conclusion

The story of Mormon settlers and Native Americans in Utah is a stark reminder of the darker aspects of colonialism, exploitation, and oppression. While some peaceful interactions existed, the broader context is one of forced labor, exploitation, and the racial and religious biases that fueled these interactions. This historical narrative provides a valuable lesson on the complexities of intercultural relations and the importance of understanding the deep-rooted social and historical factors that shape them.