The arid landscapes of northeastern Nevada are home to the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians, a federally recognized tribe composed of four distinct bands, each with its own unique history and governance. These bands – the Battle Mountain Band, the Elko Band, the South Fork Band, and the Wells Band – work collectively under the umbrella of the Te-Moak Tribal Council, yet maintain individual sovereignty over many of their own affairs. This intricate structure reflects the complex history and enduring resilience of the Western Shoshone people. This article will delve into the historical background, cultural significance, governmental structure, and contemporary life of each of these bands, offering a comprehensive overview of the Bands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada.
A Collective Identity: The Te-Moak Tribe
The Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada represents a confederation of these four independent bands. The tribal headquarters is located in Elko, Nevada, a strategically important location in the heart of Western Shoshone territory. The Te-Moak Tribal Council serves as a central governing body with jurisdiction over all tribal lands. However, a crucial element of the Te-Moak structure is the autonomy granted to each individual band. Each band, often referred to as a colony, retains significant sovereignty over its internal affairs and possesses its own governing Band Council. This decentralized structure emphasizes the importance of local decision-making and allows each band to address its specific needs and priorities.
The tribe’s official address is 525 Sunset Street, Elko, Nevada 89801. Further information can be obtained by calling (702) 738-9251 or visiting their official website at http://www.temoaktribe.com. The Te-Moak Tribe is federally recognized, placing it under the protection and purview of the United States government regarding tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The tribe belongs to the Great Basin cultural region and is part of the broader Western Shoshone confederacy.
The Battle Mountain Band: Tonomudza’s People
The Battle Mountain Band, residing in the town of Battle Mountain, Nevada, holds a significant place in the history of the Bands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada. Their colony is located on the west side of the town, comprising two parcels of land totaling 683.3 acres. The original reservation, consisting of 677.05 acres, was established by Executive Order on June 18, 1917, to provide a homeland for Shoshone people living near Winnemucca and Battle Mountain. An additional 6.25 acres were added in 1967.
The Battle Mountain region, known to the Newe (Shoshone ancestors) as "Tonomudza," served as a boundary area between the Newe and the Northern Paiutes. Several Newe bands inhabited this area, making it a crucial location for traditional rabbit and antelope drives. The arrival of Euro-Americans in the 19th century dramatically altered the landscape, as settlers claimed fertile lands along the Humboldt River and its tributaries.
With the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad in the 1870s, the town of Battle Mountain was established. After the 1880s, the Newe continued to live on the outskirts of the town, with some finding employment on local ranches. The official recognition of the colony’s lands in 1917 marked a significant milestone. During the 1930s, the colony undertook community development projects, including the construction of residential homes and the renovation of existing houses acquired from the Getchell Mine near Winnemucca. They also renovated the community building and added a playground, park, and picnic grounds.
The Battle Mountain Band is governed by its own tribal council, which includes a chairman, vice-chairman, and five council members, each serving a three-year term. The colony is organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, with its charter ratified in 1938 and its constitution and by-laws sanctioned in 1982. Economically, the Battle Mountain Band has limited activity on the reservation, with a smokeshop/convenience store serving as one source of tribal income.
The Elko Band: Rooted by the Humboldt River
The Elko Band Colony, nestled in the high desert of northeastern Nevada near the Humboldt River, represents another vital component of the Bands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada. The reservation encompasses 192.80 noncontiguous acres adjacent to the city of Elko. Established by Executive Order on March 25, 1918, the original reservation reserved 160 acres for Shoshone and Paiute Indians living near Elko.
The town of Elko was founded in 1868 by representatives of the Central Pacific Railroad. Many Shoshone families began settling nearby, finding work in mining and railroad jobs. For nearly half a century, they lived in various camps in the Elko area. The 1918 Executive Order established a 160-acre reservation near the city. However, the 250 Shoshone people of Elko were forcibly moved once more before receiving their present parcel of land in 1931.
The Elko Band’s history reflects the ongoing struggle for land rights and self-determination. In recent years, the Western Shoshone people have filed numerous lawsuits against the federal government in an attempt to regain traditional lands now classified as Federal Public Lands. The tribe is also actively working to preserve and pass on the Shoshone language to younger generations.
The Elko Band is governed by the Elko Community Council, composed of seven elected members, led by a chairman. Council members serve three-year terms and must belong to the Te-Moak Tribe, be at least 21 years old, have at least one-fourth Shoshone blood, and have lived on the reservation for one year. The council manages tribal business and contracts with county, municipal, and federal agencies to provide social services and economic development programs. The Elko Band also elects two representatives to serve on the Te-Moak Council and the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada.
The Elko Band’s economy is primarily based on employment within the broader Elko community, particularly in the mining industry. The tribal government employs a small number of people, and the tribe operates a smokeshop and convenience store on the reservation. The Elko Colony benefits from its proximity to several scenic recreation areas, including the Humboldt National Forest and the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
The South Fork Band: Cattle Ranching and Cultural Preservation
The South Fork Band Colony, situated on approximately 13,050 acres in northeastern Nevada, 28 miles south of Elko, showcases a unique blend of traditional practices and modern development. The reservation’s rugged high desert terrain is located just west of the Humboldt National Forest and in the foothills of the Ruby Mountains.
Established by Executive Order in 1941 under the Indian Reorganization Act, the South Fork Band’s land base was built upon land purchases made between 1937 and 1939. The South Fork Band represents one of the groups of Western Shoshone that refused to relocate to Duck Valley and remained in the headwaters of the Reese River.
The South Fork Band Colony operates under the overall governance of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians. The South Fork Band has its own council, consisting of seven members, including a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and five other members. The tribe’s primary source of income is federal contracts, followed by cattle-raising. The South Fork Band currently cultivates 2,800 acres, primarily in hay for its livestock herd, which numbers over 700 head of cattle and horses.
The tribe is actively planning several economic development projects, including a tribal store, expansion of the tribal livestock herd, a child care facility, and commercial hunting and fishing operations. The band is also considering the development of a recreational fishing industry on the reservation and has conducted research on the region’s fisheries for the Nevada Fish and Game Commission.
The Wells Band: Resilience in the High Desert
The Wells Band Colony, located in the high desert of northeastern Nevada, just west of the city of Wells, retains 80 acres of federal trust land. The reservation was established by an Act of Congress on October 15, 1977.
Members of the Wells Band, also known as the "Newe" (The People), are descendants of several Newe bands that once hunted and gathered throughout the valleys near present-day Wells. These bands included the Kuiyudika, Doyogadzu Newenee, and Waiha-Muta Newenee. The arrival of Euro-Americans in the 19th century significantly altered the Newe’s semi-nomadic lifestyle.
The Wells area Newe faced challenges due to an insufficient land base, low wages, and poor living conditions. In the 1970s, the Wells Band organized the Wells Community Council to address these issues. In 1976, the Te-Moak Bands of Western Shoshone recognized the community council as a committee. The establishment of the Wells Colony in 1977 marked a significant step toward improving conditions.
The governing body within the Wells Colony is the Wells Band Council, comprised of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and five members, all serving three-year terms. The reservation’s main source of income is a smokeshop that sells discount tobacco and cigarettes and has a small gift shop. Tribal members also work seasonally for the USDA Forest Service as firefighters. The Wells Colony is planning to open a cutting and sewing operation. The tribe holds an annual powwow, which is open to the public. Recreational areas near the Wells Colony include Humboldt National Forest and scenic Hole-in-the-Mountain Peak.
The Enduring Legacy of the Te-Moak Tribe
The story of the Bands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada is a testament to the enduring resilience and adaptability of the Western Shoshone people. Despite facing historical injustices, economic challenges, and cultural pressures, the four bands have persevered, maintaining their unique identities and working together to build a stronger future. The Te-Moak Tribe’s intricate governmental structure, combining tribal-level coordination with band-level autonomy, reflects a commitment to both unity and self-determination. As the Bands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, their rich history, cultural heritage, and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly guide them toward a brighter future. The Bands of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada are an integral part of Nevada’s cultural landscape.