Ute leaders say they're frustrated with Utah's treatment of their tribe and are demanding state officials deal with their government as a fellow sovereign nation.
Tribal leaders outline their concerns in a letter pulling out of Gov. Gary Hebert's annual Native American Summit.
They take issue with state leaders' opposition to the new Bears Ears national monument, among other problems.
Ute Indian Tribe councilman Shaun Chapoose says they're also concerned about state involvement in oil and gas development on tribal lands. He says the tribe can handle that themselves.
Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox says he was surprised by the tribe's withdrawal because he thought a recent meeting with the Ute tribe chair had signaled progress.
