Forrest Cuch
- Title
- Forrest Cuch
- Quote
- Speaking of humanities, that’s what school was all about, educating the person to adapt and contribute to society that requires a certain base: a foundation of learning. And that’s what that school provided to me. They basically prepared me to become an ambassador for my people."
- Story
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I edited the book The History of Utah’s American Indians. [Utah State University Press Imprint: University Press of Colorado.], published in 2000.
It was very important. You know, one of the things that stands out is as I was reviewing the Paiute manuscript, Mountain Meadows was not featured whatsoever. And I called the chairwoman, her name was Geneal Anderson. I loved Geneal, she was wonderful. I said, “Geneal, why isn’t your version of the Mountain Meadows featured in the manuscript?” And there was a long pause, and she said, “Well, we’re afraid.”
I said, “What are you afraid of?” She said, “We’re afraid the Mormon Church will not appreciate it.”
And I said, “No,” I said, “This is a state-funded project; the Utah State Legislature authorized this project. It’s separate from any church influence. You need to put your version of Mountain Meadows in there.”
And I said, “You need to contact Gary,” and the scholar who was working with Gary Tom. I said, “Get those boys working on this.” And she said, “Okay.” So, she did, and that’s when the Paiute version was featured in the book. - Date
- October 10, 2024
- interviewer
- Kathryn MacKay