Utah Athletics kicks off effort to educate community about Ute Indian Tribe

Per an agreement with the Ute Indian Tribe, the University of Utah launched a campaign Thursday to better educate students and fans about the meaning of the Ute name.

Beyond creating the above video, the U. launched a home page to provide information about the tribe's history (utahutes.com/uteproud) and announced plans to distribute educational "Ute Proud cards" at athletic events and Saturday's Fan Fest.

Uniform fanatics should note that while officials from the U. and Ute Indian Tribe touted plans for a tribe-themed jersey when they signed a new memorandum of understanding in April, the release from the U. does not mention jerseys, and instead says the Utes will wear a helmet emblazoned with the tribal seal for the Nov. 22 game against Arizona. Utah Sports Information Director Liz Abel further clarified that the Utes will not have new helmets, and that the seal will be a sticker.

As part of the Native American Heritage Awareness promotion, the Ute Honor Guard will also present the national colors and the Ute tribe's Pow Wow Committee will arrange a halftime performance.

At Saturday's Fan Fest and at the U. Campus Store and Red Zone stores, the U. will sell a $20 T-shirt that includes a graphic designed by a Ute artist, and all proceeds will go to Ute Indian scholarships and youth programs.

Here is the shirt, which includes a graphic designed by a Ute artist, according to the U.'s release. pic.twitter.com/KDUvU8Pd0r

— Matthew Piper (@matthew_piper) August 21, 2014

— Matthew Piper

Twitter: @matthew_piper