Phillip B. Gottfredson

Phillip B. Gottfredson is an independent historian and author dedicated to honoring Indigenous perspectives. He particularly emphasizes the Utah Black Hawk War and the time-honored wisdom and traditions of Native American communities.

Known for his unique "lived experience" approach, Gottfredson prioritizes accountability to Indigenous voices. He challenges traditional academic norms. His work has received significant recognition, including the prestigious Indigenous Day Award from the Utah Division of Indian Affairs in 2008. This award celebrates his contributions to understanding and appreciating Indigenous cultures.

Reflecting on his journey, Gottfredson notes, "My journey began in 1989 when I started researching the Black Hawk War and the Timpanogos Nation. It quickly became evident that many narratives presented a one-sided perspective. Scholars often overlooked the invaluable worldviews of Native Americans."

He has immersed himself in many Indigenous communities throughout North and South America, including Mayan country. His goal is a comprehensive comparative study of settler colonialism’s universal impacts.

Gottfredson is the only non-Native historian in Utah to have spent more than 20 years living among Native American communities. His dedication goes beyond academia, stemming from a heartfelt commitment made to his Indigenous mentors. He shares: "I am deeply grateful to the Native Americans who trusted me and generously shared their time and wisdom. When I asked how I could repay their kindness, they simply said, 'Teach your people what we have taught you. They will listen to you because you are white.' I vowed to honor this request, and I have kept that promise."

This sacred vow shapes his role as historian for the Timpanogos Nation and is central to his main work, My Journey to Understand Black Hawk’s Mission of Peace. Serving as a companion to his great-grandfather’s 1919 publication Indian Depredation in Utah, the book has prompted renewed discussions within and beyond the Timpanogos community by reframing Black Hawk’s true intentions of sovereignty and peace.

Readers are invited to join Phillip B. Gottfredson as he reveals the complex narratives of Indigenous history and advocates for a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage.