Ignacio (tribal chief)
Ignacio was a prominent tribal chief of the Southern Ute, specifically from the Wiminuche band, born in 1828 in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Initially marked by a violent episode linked to his father's death, he evolved into a peace advocate and leader, emphasizing cooperation with white settlers and adherence to treaties with the United States government. Despite Ouray of the Tabeguache band being recognized as the chief of all Utes by the U.S. government, Ignacio was a significant leader among the Southern Utes alongside Kaniache and Ankatosh. He played a critical role in negotiations regarding land settlements, particularly following the treaties signed in the mid-19th century that adjusted the Ute reservation boundaries amid increasing pressure from settlers. After Ouray's death in 1880, Ignacio emerged as the recognized chief of all Southern Utes, reflecting his leadership's importance to his people. He passed away on December 9, 1913, at the Ute Mountain Reservation, and the town of Ignacio, Colorado, bears his name, honoring his legacy within the Southern Ute community.
Ignacio (tribal chief)
Category: Tribal chief, Ute negotiator
Tribal affiliation: Wiminuche Ute
Significance: Ignacio was leader of the Southern Ute during negotiations with the U.S. government for a Ute reservation
The Southern Ute, comprising the Wiminuche, Muache, and Capote bands, occupied land in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. A seminomadic tribe, they ventured into New Mexico, Utah, and the San Luis Valley of Colorado on hunting and trading forays. In 1849, they signed a treaty recognizing the authority of the United States government. In the 1860’s, mining discoveries attracted white prospectors to the Colorado mountains; in 1863 the Capote, Wiminuche, and Tabeguache Utes agreed to accept a large reservation in western Colorado. Pressure from white settlers and miners resulted in reductions of the Ute reservation in 1868 and 1873. In 1878 the Southern Utes accepted a smaller reservation in southwestern Colorado and received their own agency in the San Juan basin.
Ignacio, a member of the Wiminuche band of the Southern Ute, was born in the San Juan mountains in 1828. His father, also a medicine man, was killed by a dying man’s family after he failed to cure him. Ignacio exacted revenge by killing all twelve members of the family of the dead man. He grew to be a peace-loving man, however, and a chief of the Wiminuche. He counseled cooperation with whites and abided by all treaties between his people and the United States. Although Ouray of the Tabeguache (or Uncompaghre) band was considered the chief of all the Utes by the U.S. government, the Southern Ute recognized Ignacio, Kaniache, and Ankatosh as their major chiefs. Ignacio would have little to do with Ouray because the Tabeguache chief received a stipend from the U.S. government for his services. Ouray deferred to Ignacio on matters having to do with the land of the Southern Utes, especially the 1878 land settlement. After the death of Ouray in 1880, Ignacio was recognized as the chief of all the Southern Utes. He died at the Ute Mountain Reservation on December 9, 1913. The town of Ignacio, Colorado, was named for him.