The Las Vegas Indian Colony, a significant location for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, is situated within the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada. The tribe also maintains land north of Las Vegas, strategically positioned along the Reno-Tonopah Highway, near the turnoff for Mount Charleston. This dual landholding reflects the tribe’s historical connection to the region and its ongoing presence in the modern landscape.
Ancestry and Traditional Territory
The Las Vegas Paiute Tribe traces its ancestry back to the Tudinu, often translated as "Desert People." These ancestors are considered the forebears of many Southern Paiute tribes. Their traditional territory encompasses a vast and diverse area, including the lower Colorado River valley and the mountainous and arid regions of the Mojave Desert. This territory spans across Nevada, California, and Utah, showcasing the tribe’s deep-rooted connection to the southwestern United States. The Tudinu adapted to the harsh desert environment, developing unique survival skills and a rich cultural heritage intricately linked to the land. The Las Vegas Indian Colony stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these resilient people.
Historical Dispossession and Displacement
The 19th century marked a period of significant change and challenge for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. As non-native settlers began to move into the region, the tribe faced displacement from its traditional lands. This displacement affected both their water-rich lowland winter camps and their tree-rich mountainous summer campgrounds, disrupting their seasonal patterns of resource gathering and traditional way of life. The influx of settlers brought with it new land-use practices and competing claims to resources, leading to a gradual erosion of the tribe’s control over its ancestral territory.
Early American Settlement and the LDS Mission
Permanent American settlement in the area gained momentum after 1855, following the annexation of the region to the United States. In the same year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) established a mission at the Las Vegas Springs. This fort served a dual purpose: to convert the Paiutes to Mormonism and to act as a crucial node on a shipping route connecting Salt Lake City to the sea. While the LDS mission was relatively short-lived, its establishment marked the beginning of a permanent American presence in the area. The mission’s location at the Las Vegas Springs, a vital water source, underscored the strategic importance of the region.
Ten years after the mission’s initial establishment, the fort was rebuilt, reinhabited, and renamed the Las Vegas Rancho. This marked a significant step in the transformation of the area from a sparsely populated region inhabited primarily by indigenous peoples to a developing American settlement. The Las Vegas Rancho served as a hub for agricultural activities and trade, further solidifying the American presence in the region.
The Arrival of the Railroad and the Founding of Las Vegas
Settlement increased dramatically after William A. Clark acquired a significant portion of the tribe’s land. Clark’s most impactful contribution was the construction of the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, which traversed the tribe’s land. He also established the town of Las Vegas, Nevada, adjacent to the region’s most important water source, the Las Vegas Springs. The railroad facilitated the transportation of goods and people, further accelerating the growth of Las Vegas and solidifying its position as a key transportation hub. The founding of Las Vegas marked a turning point in the history of the region, transforming it from a rural area into a bustling urban center.
Helen J. Stewart and the Creation of the Las Vegas Indian Colony
Recognizing the tribe’s dispossession and the dire circumstances they faced, Helen J. Stewart, the owner of the pre-railroad Las Vegas Rancho, took a remarkable act of compassion. On December 30, 1911, she deeded 10 acres (4.0 ha) of spring-fed downtown Las Vegas land to the Paiutes, effectively creating the Las Vegas Indian Colony. This act of generosity provided the tribe with a small but vital piece of land within their ancestral territory, offering them a place to call home amidst the rapid development of Las Vegas. Stewart’s action remains a testament to her empathy and her commitment to supporting the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe.
A "Town Within a Town" and Federal Recognition
Until 1983, the 10-acre parcel deeded by Helen Stewart served as the tribe’s only communal land. This small area became a "town within a town" in downtown Las Vegas, a vibrant community where tribal members maintained their cultural identity and traditions. Despite the challenges they faced, the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe persevered, preserving their heritage and working to improve the lives of their members.
The tribe ratified its constitution and bylaws on July 22, 1970, a crucial step towards self-governance and greater autonomy. Subsequently, they were federally recognized under the Indian Reorganization Act, granting them formal recognition by the United States government and entitling them to certain rights and benefits. Federal recognition marked a significant milestone in the tribe’s history, providing them with a framework for self-determination and the opportunity to advocate for their interests on a national level.
The Snow Mountain Reservation and Land Restoration
In 1983, Congress passed legislation that restored 3,800 acres (1,500 ha) of land to the tribe. This land is located between the eastern slopes of Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains and the western flanks of the Sheep Range. This newly restored land is now known as the Snow Mountain Reservation of the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians. The restoration of this land represented a significant victory for the tribe, providing them with additional resources and opportunities for economic development.
Key Facts and Figures:
- Establishment:
- April 17, 1912 – Purchase of 10 acres
- December 2, 1983 – Public Law 98-203 added 3,840.15 acres
- Location:
- Within the city limits on the west side of Main Street, one mile north of downtown Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada.
- North of Las Vegas along the Reno-Tonopah Highway, near the Mount Charleston turnoff.
- Acreage: 3,850.15 acres of Tribal Land
- Government: Organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 984) as amended. Constitution and By-Laws of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe approved July 20, 1970.
- Tribal Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada. The tribe is governed by a seven-person tribal council.
- B.I.A. Agency: Southern Paiute Field Station, Cedar City, Utah 84727, Phone: (801) 586-1121
Economic Activities and Modern Development
Today, the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians engages in various economic activities. They operate a minimart, two smoke shops, a health and human services program, and the Las Vegas Paiute Police Department, which employs 10 law enforcement officers. Perhaps most notably, the tribe owns and operates the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, a popular destination located northwest of Las Vegas. These diverse economic ventures contribute to the tribe’s self-sufficiency and provide employment opportunities for tribal members. The Las Vegas Indian Colony is a place of federal jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction and Governance
The tribe’s jurisdiction is federal, reflecting its status as a federally recognized tribe. The tribal headquarters is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tribe is governed by a seven-person tribal council, which is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribal community. The council works to promote the tribe’s interests, protect its sovereignty, and ensure the well-being of its members.
Annual Events and Cultural Preservation
The Las Vegas Paiute Tribe hosts the Annual Snow Mountain Pow Wow every Memorial Day weekend. This vibrant cultural event attracts visitors from across the region, providing an opportunity to celebrate Native American heritage and traditions. The Pow Wow features traditional dancing, singing, drumming, and food, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe.
Contact Information
For those seeking more information about the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe or the Las Vegas Indian Colony, the following contact information is available:
1 Paiute Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89106
Telephone: (702) 386-3926
Fax: (702) 383-4019
