Meet Ella Ehrich, a senior at Park City High School, who, in addition to tennis, student council, and her job at a local salon, loves local history – especially the stories of Indigenous people and their presence in this region for thousands of years. From the way the people cherished the land to their eventual encounters with settlers and gold prospectors, she loves the idea of adding more of these stories to the fabric of Park City’s history.
For Ella, merely studying this subject isn’t enough – she is inspired to act.
Familiar with local government from her experience as one of five PCHS students to join Councilmember Tana Toly at the Utah league of Cities and Towns’ Local Officials Day at the Legislature earlier in the year, Ella reached out to Mayor Nann Worel this summer and asked what could be done. She shared her research paper “Indigenous Americans in Summit County and Park City" (which wasn’t a school assignment, she did it on her own) with the Mayor.
Together they came up with the idea of crafting a Park City Council Resolution that locally recognizes National Native American Heritage Month – which annually celebrates the “traditions, languages and stories of Native Americans” every November. Ella will be on hand to read that Resolution at the October 24 meeting at City Hall officially declaring November 2024 “Native American Heritage Month in Park City.”
We sat down with Ella this week to learn more about what inspired her to get involved:
As you worked to put this Resolution together, what did you learn about the history of Indigenous people in the area?
Long before there was a Park City, Indigenous people appear to have been in and around the mountains of Northeast Utah. Believe it or not, this history goes back nearly 10,000 years. The more recent and more recognizable tribes (including the Utes and Shoshone) appear to have arrived in the area after the 11th century. Historical record shows that the mountains were an important part of Indigenous life, providing food, medicines, and a spiritual connection.
What did you learn about your local government through this process?
I am fascinated by how local government works. I have come to understand that a Resolution is an important way to memorialize and communicate the values of the community. Recognizing the history of local Indigenous peoples seems like an appropriate topic for the Council to address. I look forward to hearing any discussion from the Council, including feedback on the Resolution.
What was it like meeting with tribal leaders?
One of the most amazing parts of this experience was getting to work with Zedora Enos, a descendant of the Shoshone leader Chief Washakie. I had the honor of meeting with her to learn and discuss ways in which we can adequately represent Indigenous Americans within Park City. It was truly a remarkable experience getting to hear her story, and I have so much love and respect for her, her family, and her tribe!
What was it like working with Mayor Worel?
Being able to work with Mayor Worel truly made this experience so positive. I’m still learning how the process works, but I am grateful for the chance to work with local leadership in Park City!
I would love to share more of my research with Park City. I am thinking about publishing a series of articles. In addition, I have discussed ideas with the Mayor other ways to further increase awareness and recognition of our Indigenous history, including school curriculum, an expanded exhibit at the local museum, some local presentations or speaking series, and some kind of visible expression of Indigenous history in town if possible.
