The Summit Lake Indian Reservation, a significant parcel of land in the remote northwest corner of Nevada, serves as the homeland for the Northern Paiute people. It is home to the federally recognized Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada, a resilient community with a rich history and deep connection to the land. This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary challenges facing the Summit Lake Indian Reservation and its people.
A People of the Land: The Agai Panina Ticutta
The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe, known in their native language as Agai Panina Ticutta, meaning "Fish Lake Eaters," are a distinct band of Northern Paiute Indians. This name reflects their traditional reliance on the resources of Summit Lake and its surrounding ecosystem. The Agai Panina Ticutta are deeply connected to their ancestral lands, which once encompassed a vast territory spanning parts of present-day Nevada, California, and Oregon.
Historical Context: From Sovereignty to Reservation
Before European-American contact, the Agai Panina Ticutta controlled approximately 2,800 square miles (7,300 km2) of land, a testament to their self-sufficiency and established presence in the region. This territory provided sustenance, shelter, and cultural resources that sustained their way of life for generations. However, the arrival of European-Americans and the subsequent expansion of the United States drastically altered their existence.
Following the American Civil War, the U.S. government unilaterally seized the lands traditionally held by the Agai Panina Ticutta and other Native American tribes in the region. In 1867, a portion of their territory became part of Camp McGerry, a military reservation. While the military abandoned Camp McGerry in 1871, the original buildings remain and are now tribal property, a poignant reminder of a complex history.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought further challenges to the Summit Lake Indian Reservation. The state of Nevada, reflecting widespread discriminatory practices, prohibited Native American children from attending state public schools. Consequently, the federal government forced tribal children into Indian boarding schools, such as those at Fort Bidwell, California; Stewart, Nevada; and the Sherman Institute in Riverside, California.
These boarding schools were designed to assimilate Native American children into white culture, often at the expense of their own languages, traditions, and identities. Children were required to speak English, forbidden from practicing their cultural customs, and deliberately mixed with children from diverse tribes to dismantle tribal bonds.
In response to these policies and to protect their families, many members of the Agai Panina Ticutta left the reservation. They sought opportunities and community in emerging Indian colonies on the outskirts of cities, where parents could find work and maintain family unity. Some of these colonies, like the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, eventually gained federal recognition as independent tribes.
Establishment of the Modern Reservation
The modern Summit Lake Indian Reservation was established on January 14, 1913, through Executive Order number 1681 issued by President Woodrow Wilson. This order set aside 5,026 acres (20.3 km2) of land in trust for the tribe, providing a designated space for the Agai Panina Ticutta to rebuild their community and preserve their cultural heritage.
In a significant shift in governance, the Agai Panina Ticutta Tribe of the Northern Paiute Nation voted on October 24, 1964, to abandon their traditional system of hereditary chiefs. Embracing a more modern approach, they established an elected government under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This action led to their official federal recognition as the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe on January 8, 1965, solidifying their status as a sovereign nation within the United States.
Subsequent legislative actions and land transfers have further shaped the boundaries and resources of the Summit Lake Indian Reservation. These include:
- January 14, 1913: Establishment by Executive Order #1681.
- March 3, 1928: Public Law 89 of the 70th Congress (45 Stat. 160).
- April 20, 1949 & January 4, 1950: Deed approvals.
- January 14, 1950: Transfer Order of Inherited Interest.
- June 10, 1959: Authority of the 86th Congress granting 9,489.49 acres.
The Nevada Native Nations Land Act, passed in October 2016, further expanded the tribal land base. Under this act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands were placed into trust by the Department of Interior for six federally recognized tribes in Nevada, including the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe. This resulted in the addition of 941 acres (3.81 km2) of BLM land to the reservation, although gaming is prohibited on these newly acquired lands.
Geography and Location
The Summit Lake Indian Reservation is located approximately eighty miles southwest of Denio, in Humboldt County, Nevada. Access to the reservation is via State Route 140 and unimproved road 8A, reflecting its remote and isolated location. This isolation presents both challenges and opportunities for the tribe, fostering a strong sense of community while also limiting access to resources and services.
Land and Resources
The total acreage of tribal land on the Summit Lake Indian Reservation is 10,097.97 acres, including approximately 560 acres of lake surface. Additionally, 764.94 acres are allotted to individual tribal members. This land base provides the tribe with valuable resources, including water, grazing land, and potential for economic development.
Population and Community
The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe has approximately 120 enrolled members, representing a close-knit community with strong ties to their ancestral heritage. Despite their relatively small population, the tribe is committed to preserving their culture, language, and traditions for future generations.
Governance and Administration
The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe operates under a constitution and bylaws approved on January 8, 1965, as organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934. The tribe is governed by an elected five-person Tribal Council, including the chairperson, who are elected for three-year terms. This council is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe, managing tribal resources, and representing the tribe in interactions with federal, state, and local governments.
The tribal headquarters is located in Sparks, Nevada, a location that provides access to urban resources and facilitates administrative functions. The Western Nevada Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.) provides support and oversight to the tribe, with its office located in Carson City, Nevada.
Jurisdiction and Contact Information
The Summit Lake Indian Reservation falls under federal jurisdiction, meaning that federal laws and regulations apply to the reservation. The tribe maintains a contact office in Winnemucca, Nevada, at 655 Anderson Street, Winnemucca, Nevada 89445. The telephone number is (702) 623-5151, and the fax number is (702) 623-0558.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Summit Lake Indian Reservation faces numerous challenges, including its remote location, limited economic opportunities, and lack of infrastructure. One of the most pressing issues is the absence of a safe source of drinking water on the reservation, posing a significant health risk to tribal members.
Despite these challenges, the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe is actively working to improve the lives of its members and build a sustainable future. They are pursuing economic development opportunities, such as tourism and resource management, and seeking to improve infrastructure and access to essential services. The tribe is also committed to preserving their cultural heritage and language, ensuring that future generations will continue to carry on the traditions of the Agai Panina Ticutta.