Members of the terminated Uinta Band of Ute Indians are suing to regain their federal status and their identity.

The 665 plaintiffs say they lost their status under illegal circumstances. They are seeking money damages and federal recognition.

The dispute stems to the 1950s, when Congress terminated the "mixed-blood" Utes and formed a corporation to manage their assets. The "full-blood" Utes weren't affected and remain a federally recognized tribe.

Get the Story:
Uintas' Ute status debated (The Deseret Morning News 11/21)

Court Decision:
State v. Reber (November 10, 2005)

Related Stories:
Utah court blocks state jurisdiction on hunting (11/11)
Utah court tries to figure out who is legally Indian (09/22)
Court to hear terminated Ute hunting rights case (09/08)
Federal courts try to decide who is legally Indian (08/24)
Unrecognized tribe loses aboriginal rights case (1/27)
Termination policy still affects Utah tribes (8/7)
Non-recognized tribe wins round in suit (4/16)
Utah says tribe not real (11/8)