The Wind River Indian Reservation, a vast expanse of land in the central-western part of Wyoming, stands as a testament to the complex history and enduring presence of Native American tribes in the United States. This reservation, the seventh-largest in the nation by area, is uniquely shared by two distinct tribes: the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho. Officially recognized as the Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation and the Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, these sovereign nations maintain their own distinct cultures, governments, and identities within the reservation’s boundaries.
Geography and Size
Spanning an impressive 3,473.272 square miles (8,995.733 square kilometers) of land, the Wind River Indian Reservation constitutes a significant portion of Wyoming’s landscape. Including water area, the reservation covers 3,532.010 square miles (9,147.864 square kilometers). Geographically, it encompasses just over one-third of Fremont County and over one-fifth of Hot Springs County. The reservation is nestled within the Wind River Basin, a diverse landscape surrounded by the majestic Wind River Mountain Range, the rugged Owl Creek Mountains, and the imposing Absaroka Mountains. This location provides a dramatic backdrop and influences the region’s climate and ecosystems.
The population within the reservation, as recorded by the 2000 census, numbered 23,237 inhabitants. The largest town located within the reservation boundaries is Riverton, while the administrative headquarters for the tribes are located at Fort Washakie, a site steeped in history and significance.
Historical Overview
The history of the Wind River Indian Reservation is a narrative of treaties, shifting boundaries, and the evolving relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes. The reservation was initially established in 1868 specifically for the Eastern Shoshone Indians. In 1869, Camp Auger, a military post, was founded near present-day Lander. The post was renamed Camp Brown in 1870, and in 1871, it was relocated to its current location as Fort Washakie. In 1878, the post was renamed in honor of the esteemed Shoshone Chief Washakie. The military post operated until 1909.
For many years, a government school and hospital operated east of Fort Washakie, serving as boarding facilities for children during the school year. The St. Michael’s mission at Ethete, constructed between 1917 and 1920, stands as a testament to the influence of religious institutions within the community.
The village of Arapahoe was initially established as a sub-agency to distribute rations to the Arapaho people. It once housed a large trading post, serving as a vital center for commerce and interaction. In 1906, a portion of the reservation was ceded to white settlement, leading to the development of the town of Riverton. During the 19th century, lands were allotted to individual families, and names were often anglicized, reflecting the assimilationist policies of the time. Irrigation projects were implemented to promote farming and ranching, and a flour mill was constructed near Fort Washakie.
Tribal Affiliations and Settlement Patterns
The Eastern Shoshone were the original inhabitants of the Wind River Reservation. In 1878, the Arapaho were granted settlement on the reservation due to their need for a winter refuge. The Shoshone were compensated $4,453,000 in 1938 for the eastern half of the reservation, which the Arapaho occupied.
Today, the Shoshone primarily reside in the western areas of the reservation, including Fort Washakie, Crowheart, Burris, and the Dry Creek Ranch area. The Arapaho, on the other hand, mainly inhabit the eastern segments of the reservation, particularly the towns of Ethete and Arapaho. Members of both tribes can be found living in the Mill Creek-Boulder Flat areas, demonstrating a degree of integration and shared community.
Tribal Governance
The United States government recognizes a government-to-government relationship with tribal nations, as defined by the U.S. Constitution. The Northern Plains Arapaho Tribe entered into treaties with the United States in the 1800s, establishing boundaries and recognizing tribal rights as a sovereign government. The Eastern Shoshone Tribal lands were initially defined by the Fort Bridger Treaty of July 3, 1868. Subsequent agreements, such as the Brunot Agreement of 1872 and the McLaughlin Agreement of 1898, further reduced the reservation’s size.
Tribal governments maintain jurisdiction within the reservation boundaries, encompassing all rights-of-way, waterways, watercourses, and streams. The tribal government operates under a constitution approved by the tribal membership, which is the General Council, and is not under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The Business Council of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe consists of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and four additional Council members elected by the tribal members. The Tribal Council Chairman serves as the administrative head of the Tribe, with a two-year term, alongside the Vice-Chairman and other Council members.
Key Statistics
- Tribal/Agency Headquarters: Ft. Washakie, WY
- Counties: Fremont, Hot Springs, and Sublette Counties
- Number of Enrolled Members: 5,703
- Reservation Service Population: 4,297
- Labor Force: 3,454
- Unemployment Rate: 65%
- Languages: Arapaho and English
Land Status
| Land Status | Acres |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 2,268,000 |
| Tribal Owned | 1,701,705 |
| Allotted Owned | 101,149 |
| Total Tribal/Allotted Owned | 1,808,854 |
| Government Owned | 1,235 |
| Non-Indian Owned | 463,821 |
Geography and Climate
The Wind River Indian Reservation is located in central Wyoming, east of the Continental Divide. Its northern border is roughly defined by the Owl Creek Mountains, which connect to the Rocky Mountains, and extends eastward to Wind River Canyon. The Bridger and Shoshone National Forests and the Wind River Mountains form the western border. Streams flow south and east from these areas into the foothills and plains, which constitute two-thirds of the reservation.
The Arapaho-St. Stevens area covers approximately 50 square miles southwest of Riverton and 28 miles east of Fort Washakie. The majority of homes are situated near the Arapaho Public School and along the Big Wind River and Little Wind River. The total land area of the Eastern Shoshone reservation is 2,268,000 acres, with 1,701,795 acres tribally owned and 101,149 acres individually owned.
The climate varies significantly due to the diverse terrain. The annual mean temperature is 45°F. January temperatures average around 18°F, while July temperatures average around 72°F. Annual precipitation ranges from 15 to 20 inches, and the sun shines approximately 70 percent of the possible hours.
Transportation
The Shoshone and Arapaho Nation Transportation Authority (SANTA) provides public transportation within the reservation and to Lander and Riverton. Public bus lines connect in Shoshoni for connections to Casper, Thermopolis, Worland, Cody, or Sheridan within Wyoming, and to Billings, Montana. Three small charter flight companies operate out of Riverton and Lander Municipal Airports.
Economy
Many tribal members are employed in agriculture, working on ranches and farms, including the Eastern Shoshone Ranch. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and tribal government also provide employment opportunities. Leases in oil and gas are a significant source of income for the reservation. Private businesses and tourism contribute to the economy as well.
Shopping and housing on the reservation are limited. The larger cities of Lander, Riverton, and Thermopolis offer more specialized shopping options. Recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, golf courses, libraries, churches, and movie theaters, are available in these towns. Tribal government headquarters are located at Fort Washakie, along with the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Recreation
The reservation and surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and water skiing on Boysen State Reservoir, as well as in mountain streams and rivers. Camping, hiking, and backpacking are popular. The Wind River Canyon provides opportunities for geological exploration, with some of the oldest rock formations in the United States.
Community Services
Grades K-12 are available on the reservation and in surrounding towns. Central Wyoming College in Riverton offers associate degree programs in association with the University of Wyoming. Ambulatory medical specialist services are provided at the Arapaho Health Center, with full-time optometry and dental services available to all patients. The Eastern Shoshone Tribe operates the Community Health Representative Program, providing outreach care, health promotion, and disease prevention services.
Housing
Approximately 2,996 Indian homes are located on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The majority of housing is provided through Mutual Help home ownership or Low Rent housing through the Department of Housing and Urban Development programs managed by the Tribal Housing Authority. BIA or IHS employees may choose housing at Fort Washakie or in Thermopolis, Lander, or Riverton. Private housing stock is limited on the reservation.
In 1997, the Tribe’s environmental management staff identified the degradation of the water system serving 150 families at Boulder Flats as a primary environmental problem.
The Wind River Indian Reservation remains a vibrant and culturally significant area, embodying the resilience and enduring traditions of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.