The Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, a unique and historically significant land base, straddles the border between Nevada and Oregon, serving as the home and ancestral territory of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe. This reservation represents a vital link to the past, a testament to the resilience of its people, and a commitment to a vibrant future.
Establishment and Historical Context
The establishment of the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation is a story woven with threads of congressional acts, land allotments, and the overarching influence of the Indian Reorganization Act. The reservation’s formation was not a singular event, but rather a series of acquisitions and adjustments over several years, reflecting the evolving relationship between the United States government and the Native American tribes.
The initial foundation of the reservation was laid on January 17, 1936, through an act of Congress (49 Stat. 1094) that set aside 20,414.46 acres under the authority of the Indian Reorganization Act (48 Stat. 984). This landmark legislation, enacted in 1934, aimed to reverse the detrimental effects of previous policies that had eroded tribal land ownership and self-governance. The Indian Reorganization Act encouraged tribes to adopt constitutions and form self-governing bodies, paving the way for a more equitable relationship with the federal government.
Subsequent land acquisitions further shaped the reservation’s boundaries:
- November 16, 1936: 1,554.35 acres were added.
- November 9, 1940: An additional 3,542.40 acres were incorporated.
- July 18, 1941: 1,240 acres were included.
- February 24, 1943: 3,919.37 acres were designated.
- June 16, 1944: 449.92 acres were added to the tribal lands.
- February 3, 1956: The Tribe purchased 160 acres in fee simple.
- April 20, 1949 and May 9, 1957: Relinquished allotments were approved.
- May 16, 1957: 3,900.10 acres of relinquished allotments were added.
- April 4, 1960: 160 acres were incorporated.
- November 16, 1973: 2.63 acres were added.
These incremental additions gradually expanded the land base available to the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe, providing opportunities for resource management, housing, and economic development.
Geographical Location and Historical Significance of the Area
The Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation is strategically located four miles southeast of the town of McDermitt, Nevada, in Humboldt County. A significant portion of the reservation extends into Malheur County, Oregon, highlighting its unique position straddling state lines. The Quinn River, a vital waterway, meanders east to west through the Tribe’s Nevada lands, providing a crucial source of water and supporting local ecosystems.
The land surrounding the reservation holds significant historical weight. Just to the east lies southwestern Idaho, an area intertwined with the history of the Paiute, Shoshone, and Bannock peoples. The Fort McDermitt Military Reservation, established on August 14, 1865, at the site of the former Quinn River Camp No. 33 and Quinn River Station, a stagecoach stop, marks a pivotal point in the region’s past. This location was once a traditional seasonal homeland for the Paiute, Shoshone, and Bannock tribes, who relied on the area’s resources for sustenance and cultural practices.
The establishment of the military fort was initially driven by the need to protect the stagecoach route connecting Virginia City, Winnemucca, Nevada, and Silver City, Idaho Territory. The fort was named in honor of Lt. Col. Charles McDermit, commander of the Military District of Nevada, who tragically lost his life in a skirmish in the area in 1865.
The Paiute people, whose traditional territory stretched from the Southwest into Nevada, Oregon, and southwestern Idaho, became known as the "Northern Paiute" in this region. They share cultural and linguistic ties with the Shoshone, Bannock, and other tribes of the Great Basin.
When the military outpost was decommissioned in 1889, the Military Reservation was repurposed as the Fort McDermitt Indian Agency. This transition marked a shift in focus towards the administration and management of Native American affairs, and Northern Paiute and Shoshone people were settled here.
Acreage and Land Ownership
The Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation encompasses a diverse landscape of tribal and allotted lands, reflecting the complex history of land ownership in the region. The breakdown of acreage is as follows:
- 16,354.52 acres of Tribal Land in Nevada
- 145 acres of allotted land in Nevada
- 160 acres of Tribal fee land in Nevada
- 18,828.79 acres of Tribal land in Oregon
The total acreage provides a land base for the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe to pursue economic development, housing initiatives, and cultural preservation efforts.
In October 2016, a significant expansion of the reservation occurred when the federal government placed approximately 19,094 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Nevada into trust for the Tribe. This expansion, facilitated by the Nevada Native Nations Land Act (PL No: 114-232), aimed to provide the Tribe with a more sustainable resource base. However, gaming activities are prohibited on these newly acquired lands.
Governance and Tribal Membership
The Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe operates under a constitution and bylaws approved on July 2, 1936, organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 984) as amended. This framework provides the foundation for self-governance and allows the Tribe to manage its affairs, protect its resources, and promote the well-being of its members.
The Tribe’s government consists of an elected chairman and an eight-member Tribal Council, including a vice chairman. This representative body is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the Tribe, enacting laws, and overseeing tribal programs and services.
According to the 2010 census, 313 Native Americans resided on the reservation, with 42 enrolled members living in the nearby town of McDermitt, Oregon. However, the actual number of tribal members living on the reservation is likely higher, as the Tribe’s constitution and laws contain some conflicting definitions of tribal membership.
The Tribe’s constitution defines tribal members based on specific criteria, including lineage and residency. However, an "Enrollment Ordinance" enacted in the 1980s introduced further complexities to the membership process, creating some inconsistencies with the standing definitions.
Language and Culture
The Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe proudly preserves its cultural heritage, including the Northern Paiute language, also known as Paviotso. This Western Numic language is a vital link to the Tribe’s past and a symbol of its unique identity. Fort McDermitt boasts the highest concentration of Northern Paiute speakers among the various locations where they reside. Efforts are underway to revitalize the language, and it is estimated that 20-30% of the Tribe’s children can speak it.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.) Agency
The Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe is served by the Western Nevada Agency of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, located in Carson City, Nevada. The B.I.A. provides a range of services to the Tribe, including assistance with land management, economic development, education, and social services.
Jurisdiction
The Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation operates under a complex jurisdictional framework involving federal, tribal, Nevada state, and Oregon state authorities. This multi-layered system requires careful coordination and cooperation to ensure effective law enforcement, resource management, and protection of tribal rights.
Contact Information
For those seeking to learn more about the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe or to conduct business with the Tribe, the following contact information is available:
P.O. Box 457
McDermitt, Nevada 89421
Telephone: (702) 532-8259
Fax: (702) 532-8263
The Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Paiute and Shoshone people. Its history, geography, governance, and culture all contribute to its unique identity and its importance as a vibrant and thriving community.