Last Updated: 6 years
The **Duckwater Shoshone Tribe** is a vibrant and resilient Western Shoshoni tribe, deeply rooted in the history and landscape of the Great Basin. For generations, the Shoshone people skillfully navigated and controlled vital east-west corridors across the vast expanse of the American West, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s cultural and economic tapestry. This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary life of the **Duckwater Shoshone Tribe of the Duckwater Reservation**.
**Official Tribal Name:** Duckwater Shoshone Tribe of the Duckwater Reservation
**Contact Information:**
* **Address:** P.O. Box 140068, Duckwater, Nevada 89314
* **Phone:** (702) 863-0227
* **Fax:** (702) 863-0301
* **Email:** (Email address not provided in original article)
* **Official Website:** http://www.duckwatertribe.org/
**Recognition Status:** Federally Recognized
**Name and Identity:**
The traditional name of the **Duckwater Shoshone Tribe** is *Tsaidüka*, a name imbued with meaning and connection to the land. It translates to “Eaters of tule,” a testament to the tribe’s reliance on the tule plant, a versatile resource abundant in the marshy environments of their ancestral homelands. The tule provided sustenance and materials for crafting mats, baskets, and other essential items.
**Region and Territory:**
Geographically, the Duckwater Shoshone are situated within the Great Basin culture area, a vast intermountain region characterized by arid landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and a rich history of human adaptation. Today, the tribe’s presence is primarily concentrated in the state of Nevada, specifically on the Duckwater Reservation.
Historically, the traditional territory of the Duckwater Shoshone encompassed a wider area, reflecting their nomadic lifestyle and reliance on seasonal resources. The boundaries of this territory were defined by the availability of water, game, and edible plants, shaping their movements and cultural practices.
**Tribal Affiliations and Treaties:**
The Duckwater Shoshone are part of the larger Shoshone confederacy, a grouping of related tribes sharing linguistic and cultural ties. While specific treaties related to the Duckwater Shoshone were not listed in the original text, it is important to note that numerous treaties were signed between the U.S. government and various Shoshone bands throughout the 19th century, often resulting in land cessions and the establishment of reservations.
**The Duckwater Reservation:**
The Duckwater Reservation represents a significant chapter in the tribe’s history. Established on November 13, 1940, it marked a transition from traditional nomadic patterns to a more settled existence. The initial acquisition of the 3,272-acre (13.24 km2) Florio Ranch, coupled with the relocation of 21 families to the land, formed the foundation of the reservation.
The land base of the Duckwater Reservation was subsequently expanded through additional purchases and legislative acts. On December 22, 1943, the reservation grew by 398.76 acres due to the Act of June 28, 1941 (55 Stat. 303). Another addition of 142.5 acres occurred on January 27, 1955, facilitated by the Indian Reorganization Act purchase of Nye County tax deed land.
**Land Area:** The reservation encompasses 3,814.52 acres of tribal land, located nineteen miles Northwest of Current, Nye County, Nevada, along State Route 379.
**B.I.A. Agency:** The Duckwater Shoshone Tribe is under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Nevada Agency, located in Elko, Nevada (Phone: (702) 738-5165).
**Tribal Governance and Organization:**
The Duckwater Shoshone Tribe operates under a constitution and bylaws approved on November 28, 1940, which were established in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 984). This act encouraged tribal self-governance and economic development.
The governing body of the tribe consists of a council with five members, including executive officers. These officers include a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary-Treasurer, who are elected annually with staggered terms, ensuring continuity and experience within the leadership structure.
**Language and Cultural Heritage:**
The Duckwater Shoshone language belongs to the Shoshonean branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. While the original text does not provide details on language dialects or the number of fluent speakers, language revitalization efforts are often a priority for tribes seeking to preserve their cultural heritage.
**Relationships with Other Tribes:**
The Duckwater Shoshone share kinship and historical connections with numerous other Shoshone and Paiute tribes throughout the Great Basin. These related tribes include the Death Valley Timbisha Shoshone, Ely Shoshone Tribe, Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Ft. McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Winnemucca Colony, Yomba Shoshone Tribe, Reno/Sparks Indian Colony, and the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians (comprising the Battle Mountain Band, Elko Band, South Fork Band, and Wells Band). Traditionally, the Duckwater Shoshone allied with the Paiutes and faced conflicts with groups like the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe.
**Traditional Way of Life:**
The Duckwater Shoshone, like other Great Basin tribes, traditionally followed a hunter-gatherer lifestyle adapted to the arid environment. They relied on a variety of resources, including ducks, sage grouse, prairie dogs, rabbits, ground squirrels, deer, and other big game. In addition to hunting, they gathered wild plants, including *Chenopodium* (goosefoot) and *Mentzelia* (Indian Rice Grass), which were important sources of food and nutrients. They cultivated Chenopodium and Mentzelia (Indian Rice Grass).
Seasonal migrations were common, with families often hunting near Railroad Valley during the summer months and seeking shelter in conical-shaped houses in the mountains during the winter. This nomadic existence allowed them to maximize their access to resources and adapt to the changing conditions of the Great Basin.
**Economy and Development:**
Today, the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe engages in a variety of economic activities. Agriculture remains a central part of the community, with the tribe utilizing water from the largest geothermal hot spring in Nevada for irrigation. The Duckwater Economic Development Corporation operates trucking services, hauling ore and lime for mines in northeastern Nevada, as well as a convenience store. The tribe also offers lodging through a five-unit RV park.
The Duckwater Falls Nursery, consisting of two greenhouses, plays a crucial role in environmental stewardship. The nursery raises seedlings of native plant species, which are used by large mining operations such as Newmont and Placer Dome in their land reclamation programs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and environmental restoration.
**Cultural Events and Tourism:**
The Duckwater Shoshone Tribe hosts the annual Duckwater Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture and community held the last weekend in June. This multi-day event features a Pee-Wee Rodeo, a Grand Entry and Pow Wow, a Hand Game Tournament, a Fun Run/Walk, horseshoe tournaments, basketball and volleyball tournaments, kids and adult games, a raffle, a Duckwater grown beef barbecue, and live music. Camping is available on site, with limited RV hookups.
**Legends and Oral Traditions:**
Oral traditions and legends form a vital part of the Duckwater Shoshone cultural heritage. One intriguing legend describes “flying wolves,” winged creatures that preyed on unwary individuals, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and cooperation within the community.
**People of Note:**
The **Duckwater Shoshone Tribe** has produced notable individuals who have contributed significantly to their community and beyond. Tina Manning (d. 1979) was a prominent water rights activist, advocating for the tribe’s access to essential resources.
This profile of the **Duckwater Shoshone Tribe** provides a glimpse into the rich history, cultural heritage, and contemporary life of this resilient Western Shoshoni community. The tribe’s ongoing efforts to preserve their language, culture, and traditions, while also pursuing economic development and environmental stewardship, demonstrate their commitment to a vibrant future.