Nestled at the base of the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in California lies the Bishop Paiute Reservation, home to the Bishop Paiute Tribe. This federally recognized tribe, a vibrant and resilient community, stands as the fifth largest in California, boasting an enrolled membership of approximately 2,000 individuals. The Bishop Paiute Tribe carries a rich history deeply intertwined with the landscape and ancestral heritage of the Owens Valley.
The People of the Owens Valley: Nu-Mu
The Paiute people residing on the Bishop Paiute Reservation are direct descendants of the "Nu-Mu," a name that translates to "original people." This name reflects their deep connection to the land and their status as the first inhabitants of the Owens Valley, a region characterized by its stunning natural beauty and vital resources. The history of the Bishop Paiute Tribe is intrinsically linked to this valley, its waterways, and the mountains that cradle it.
Tribal Governance and Contact Information
The official tribal name is the Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop Community of the Bishop Colony. The tribal headquarters are located at 50 Tu Su Lane, Bishop, CA 93514. The main contact phone number is 760.873.3584, and the fax number is 760.873.4143. Further information can be found on their official website: http://www.bishoppaiutetribe.com/. This website serves as a crucial resource for tribal members and the general public, providing updates on tribal affairs, community events, and important announcements.
Recognition and Identity
The Bishop Paiute Tribe holds the status of a federally recognized tribe, a designation that acknowledges their sovereignty and provides access to vital federal programs and services. Their traditional name, Nu-Mu, encapsulates their identity as the original inhabitants of their ancestral lands. While formerly known as the Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop Community of the Bishop Colony, the tribe continues to honor its heritage through its cultural practices and community initiatives.
Location and Territory
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is located within the California cultural region. Their traditional territory encompasses the Owens Valley, a region east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. The tribe’s history is closely tied to the resources and ecology of this unique landscape.
Confederacy
The Bishop Paiute Tribe belongs to the broader Paiute confederacy, a group of related tribes sharing linguistic and cultural similarities. This connection highlights the interconnectedness of indigenous communities across the Great Basin region.
Reservation Land and Population
The Bishop Reservation serves as the central hub for the tribe’s activities and governance. While the tribe has a registered population of approximately 2,000 members, the specific land area of the reservation is relatively small compared to the tribe’s size and historical presence in the region.
Enrollment Requirements
Membership in the Bishop Paiute Tribe requires lineal descent from someone named on the July 1996 Base Roll. There is no specific blood quantum requirement, but enrollment applications are subject to review and acceptance by a five-member Enrollment Committee, elected to two-year terms. This process ensures that tribal membership is carefully considered and aligned with the tribe’s established criteria.
Government Structure
The Bishop Paiute Tribe operates under a Tribal Council government. The Tribal Council consists of five members elected by the General Council. These elected officials are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe and managing its affairs. The Tribal Council includes a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary-Treasurer, who serve as executive officers.
Language and Cultural Preservation
The Bishop Community traditionally spoke both the Timbisha and Mono languages, both part of the Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Timbisha is categorized within the Central Numic division, while Mono belongs to the Western Numic division. The tribe actively works to preserve and revitalize these languages, recognizing their importance in maintaining cultural identity and heritage.
Historical Context
The history of the Bishop Paiute Tribe is marked by both resilience and hardship. In 1912, the U.S. Government initially reserved over 67,000 acres of land in the Owens Valley for the Indians of the area. However, in 1932, President Hoover revoked this reservation and placed the lands under watershed protection for the City of Los Angeles. This decision had a devastating impact on the tribe, displacing them from their ancestral lands and disrupting their traditional way of life.
In 1936, the City of Los Angeles sought control of the remaining lands. The federal government facilitated a land exchange, providing the tribe with the 875 acres that now comprise the Bishop Paiute Reservation. This exchange, while providing a land base, represents a significant reduction from their original territory and underscores the historical injustices faced by the tribe.
Despite the challenges posed by limited land resources, the Bishop Paiute Tribe has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and determination. The tribal government has invested in upgrading technical capabilities and developing infrastructure to support the present and future growth of the Bishop Paiute Reservation.
Modern-Day Initiatives
Today, the Bishop Paiute Tribe is actively engaged in various initiatives to promote economic development, cultural preservation, and community well-being. These initiatives include:
- Economic Development: The tribe operates various businesses and enterprises to generate revenue and create employment opportunities for its members. These ventures contribute to the economic self-sufficiency of the tribe and support essential community programs.
- Cultural Preservation: The tribe is dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage through language revitalization programs, traditional arts and crafts workshops, and cultural events. These efforts ensure that the traditions and knowledge of the Nu-Mu are passed down to future generations.
- Education: The tribe invests in educational programs and scholarships to support the academic success of its members. Education is seen as a key to empowerment and a means of ensuring a brighter future for the tribe.
- Healthcare: The tribe operates a healthcare facility that provides comprehensive medical services to its members. Access to quality healthcare is a priority for the tribe, as it contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
- Environmental Stewardship: The tribe is committed to protecting the environment and managing its natural resources responsibly. They work to preserve the ecological integrity of the Owens Valley and ensure that future generations can enjoy its beauty and resources.
The Bishop Paiute Tribe stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples. Despite facing historical injustices and ongoing challenges, the tribe has persevered, maintaining its cultural identity, strengthening its community, and working towards a brighter future. The Bishop Paiute Tribe remains a vital part of the California landscape and a powerful voice for indigenous rights and self-determination.