Nestled approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada, near the town of Moapa, lies the Moapa Indian Reservation. This sovereign land serves as the home and heartland of the Moapa Band of Paiutes, a resilient people with a rich history and enduring connection to the land. The Moapa Indian Reservation stands as a testament to their heritage and a beacon of their future.
A Community of Shared Ancestry
The Moapa Band of Paiutes is a collective of several distinct yet related groups: the Chemehuevi, Kaibab, Pawipits, Southern Paiutes, and Shivwits Indians. Together, they form a vibrant community, bound by shared ancestry and a common identity. The tribe consists of approximately 287 enrolled members, with around 180 individuals presently residing on the reservation in Nevada.
Historically, these people were known as the Moapat and the Nuwuvi. Their name for themselves, Newe, is a powerful affirmation of their identity, meaning simply "the people." This self-designation reflects a deep sense of belonging and a strong cultural foundation.
Geography and Accessibility
The Moapa Indian Reservation is bisected by the Interstate 15 highway, running from the northeast to the southwest. This major transportation artery provides accessibility to the reservation while also presenting certain challenges in terms of land use and community cohesion. In the southeast, the reservation shares a border with the Valley of Fire State Park, a stunning landscape of red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. Exit 75 of the I-15 provides access to the park, with the local road leading to the west entrance, formerly Nevada 169, now maintained by the reservation. This proximity to the state park offers opportunities for tourism and economic development, but also requires careful management of shared resources and environmental concerns.
A Tapestry of Time: Historical Overview
The Moapa Band of Paiutes, or Nuwuvi, are an integral part of the larger Southern Paiute Nation, whose traditional territories once encompassed a vast expanse of Southern Nevada. Their history is one of adaptation, resilience, and a deep understanding of the natural world.
Historically, the Moapa people were renowned for their cultural adaptability. They skillfully combined irrigated farming techniques with hunting and gathering practices, demonstrating a profound ability to utilize the land’s resources with remarkable ingenuity.
The wetlands and riparian vegetation played a crucial role in their cultural and practical lives. Willows, cottonwoods, sedges, and rushes were not merely plants but essential building blocks for their society. These materials were used in the construction of sweat lodges, sacred spaces for purification and healing. They were also transformed into intricately designed basketry, including water jars, winnowing and parching trays, cradle boards, cooking baskets, and seed beaters – each object a testament to their craftsmanship and resourcefulness.
The Moapa people possessed an extensive knowledge of the nutritional and medicinal properties of plants, a testament to their intimate relationship with the land. This knowledge was passed down through generations, ensuring the survival and well-being of the community.
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Moapa engaged in trade with the Spanish, who arrived from California and Arizona. While these interactions brought new goods and ideas, no missions were established in the area, allowing the Moapa to maintain their cultural autonomy.
The year 1869 marked a significant turning point in their history. The United States government forcibly relocated the Southern Paiute to the Moapa area. Initially, the entire Moapa River watershed and lands along the Colorado River (some of which now lie beneath Lake Mead) were designated for the Moapa. However, in 1875, their reservation was drastically reduced to a mere 1,000 acres (400 hectares). This reduction in land significantly impacted their ability to sustain their traditional way of life.
The Moapa people faced further hardship in the 1920s and 1930s when they suffered devastating losses due to disease. These challenges tested their resilience, but they persevered.
In 1941, the tribe formally organized under a constitution, laying the groundwork for self-governance and a renewed sense of purpose. In 1980, a significant victory was achieved when the Moapa River reservation was expanded by approximately 75,000 acres (30,000 hectares), providing much-needed land for economic development and cultural preservation.
Formal Establishment and Land Allotment
The establishment and expansion of the Moapa Indian Reservation occurred through a series of executive orders and legislative actions:
- March 12, 1873: Approximately 2 million acres were initially designated by Executive Order.
- February 12, 1874: An additional 1,000 acres were added by Executive Order.
- March 3, 1875: Under the authority of the Act of March 3, 1875 (18 Stat. 445), the acreage was drastically reduced to 1,000 acres.
- December 2, 1980: Legislation (P.L. 96-491) added 70,565.46 acres, significantly expanding the reservation’s land base.
Location and Landscape
The Moapa Indian Reservation is located approximately 8 miles west of Glendale, Nevada, at the junction of State Route 168 and Interstate 15. Its location places it roughly 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas, within Clark County, Nevada.
The reservation’s 71,954 acres are situated in the Moapa Valley, a prehistoric floodplain of the Muddy River. The landscape is characterized by dry washes and rounded hills, reflecting the arid climate and geological history of the region.
Approximately 616 acres were originally allotted to individual Indian residents. However, in 1941, these allotted lands were relinquished by their owners and restored to tribal status, further strengthening the community’s collective control over its land and resources.
Governance and Self-Determination
The Moapa Band of Paiute Indians is organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 984), as amended. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians were approved on April 17, 1942, establishing a framework for self-governance and tribal administration.
Population Dynamics
As of the 2013 census, the population of the Moapa Indian Reservation was 287.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.) provides support and services to the Moapa Band of Paiutes through its Southern Paiute Field Station, located in Cedar City, Utah.
Jurisdiction
The Moapa Indian Reservation falls under federal jurisdiction, reflecting the unique legal and political relationship between federally recognized tribes and the United States government.
Economic Landscape and Challenges
In 2013, the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians filed a lawsuit over contaminants from the coal-fired Reid Gardner Power Generation Station near Las Vegas. The lawsuit was settled for $4.3 million, with approximately $1.5 million allocated to the construction of a wellness center on the reservation, addressing health concerns within the community.
The reservation is home to a 250 MW solar power generation facility, which generates enough energy to power 111,000 homes, displacing around 341,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. This renewable energy project represents a significant step towards sustainability and economic diversification for the tribe. The tribe also owns and operates a travel plaza, providing employment opportunities and revenue for the community.
While agriculture remains a primary economic activity on the Moapa Indian Reservation, the community continues to face significant challenges, including high rates of unemployment, obesity, alcoholism, and diabetes. These challenges have led some members of the Moapa Band of Paiutes to migrate to other parts of the country in search of employment opportunities.
Annual Celebrations
Each October, the RiSE Festival takes place near the reservation, drawing thousands of people to witness a breathtaking spectacle of lanterns released into the night sky. This event provides a sense of shared humanity and connection.
Contact Information
Moapa Band of Paiutes
P.O. Box 340
Moapa, Nevada 89025
Telephone: (702) 865-2787
Fax: (702) 865-2875