The history of the American West is inextricably linked to the interactions, often fraught with conflict and misunderstanding, between the United States government and the Indigenous peoples who called these lands home for millennia. Among the most significant records of these interactions are the treaties negotiated and signed, ostensibly to establish peace and define boundaries, but often serving as instruments of dispossession and cultural disruption. This article will delve into the Shoshone and Bannock Treaties, examining the specific agreements made with these tribes in the 19th century and exploring their lasting impact.
The Shoshone and Bannock Treaties represent a complex and multifaceted chapter in the history of the American West. These treaties, like many others negotiated with Native American tribes, were intended to define the relationship between the U.S. government and the Shoshone and Bannock peoples, addressing issues of land ownership, resource access, and tribal sovereignty. Understanding the context in which these treaties were negotiated is crucial to appreciating their significance and the long-term consequences they had on the lives of the Shoshone and Bannock.
The Shoshone and Bannock: A Glimpse into Their World
Before delving into the specifics of the treaties, it’s essential to understand the identity and way of life of the Shoshone and Bannock peoples. The Shoshone, also spelled Shoshoni, are a large and diverse group of Native American tribes inhabiting areas of the Great Basin, which includes present-day Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and California. They are generally divided into several distinct groups based on geographic location and cultural practices, including the Eastern Shoshone, the Western Shoshone, and the Northern Shoshone.
The Bannock, closely related to the Northern Paiute, primarily resided in southeastern Oregon, southern Idaho, and western Wyoming. Their language is closely related to Shoshone, and they frequently allied with Shoshone bands, sharing hunting grounds and resources.
Both the Shoshone and Bannock were traditionally nomadic peoples, their lives dictated by the seasonal availability of resources. They were skilled hunters and gatherers, relying on game such as bison, deer, and elk, as well as roots, berries, and seeds. Their social structure was based on extended family groups, and they possessed a rich cultural heritage expressed through storytelling, music, and intricate artwork.
The Treaties: A Closer Look
The United States government entered into several treaties with different bands of the Shoshone and Bannock peoples during the 1860s. These treaties were largely driven by the westward expansion of settlers, miners, and railroad companies, which brought increased pressure on Native American lands and resources. The treaties aimed to secure peace, open up land for settlement, and establish reservations for the tribes.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key Shoshone and Bannock Treaties:
-
Treaty With The Eastern Shoshoni, 1863 (Treaty of Fort Bridger): This treaty, signed at Fort Bridger in present-day Wyoming, aimed to establish peace between the Eastern Shoshone, led by Chief Washakie, and the United States. In exchange for ceding vast tracts of land, the Eastern Shoshone were promised a reservation, as well as provisions and assistance from the government. This treaty is significant because it recognized the Eastern Shoshone’s right to hunt on unoccupied lands outside the reservation. However, the treaty’s promises were often not fully honored, leading to ongoing tensions and conflicts.
-
Treaty With The Shoshoni–Northwestern Bands, 1863 (Treaty of Box Elder): This treaty, signed near present-day Brigham City, Utah, involved several bands of Northwestern Shoshone. Similar to the Fort Bridger treaty, it involved the cession of land in exchange for promises of a reservation and government assistance. However, this treaty is notable for the heavy-handed tactics employed by the U.S. government representatives, including threats and coercion, which cast a shadow over its legitimacy.
-
Treaty With The Western Shoshoni, 1863 (Treaty of Ruby Valley): Signed in Ruby Valley, Nevada, this treaty differed from the others in that it did not explicitly require the Western Shoshone to cede their land. Instead, it granted the U.S. government the right to travel through Western Shoshone territory, build infrastructure such as roads and railroads, and establish military posts. In return, the Western Shoshone were promised compensation for any damages caused by these activities. This treaty has been the subject of much debate, with the Western Shoshone arguing that it did not relinquish their aboriginal title to their ancestral lands.
-
Treaty With The Eastern Band Shoshoni And Bannock, 1868 (Treaty of Fort Bridger): This treaty, also signed at Fort Bridger, amended the 1863 treaty with the Eastern Shoshone and included the Bannock tribe. It established a larger reservation for both tribes, encompassing a significant portion of present-day Wyoming and Idaho. The treaty also included provisions for education, agriculture, and other forms of assistance. However, like the previous treaties, the promises made in this agreement were often not fully implemented, leading to resentment and conflict.
The Consequences of the Treaties
The Shoshone and Bannock Treaties had profound and lasting consequences for the tribes involved. While the treaties were intended to bring peace and define boundaries, they often served as instruments of dispossession, cultural disruption, and economic hardship.
-
Loss of Land: The treaties resulted in the cession of vast tracts of land that had been traditionally used by the Shoshone and Bannock for hunting, gathering, and subsistence. This loss of land severely impacted their ability to maintain their traditional way of life and forced them to rely on government rations and assistance.
-
Reservation Life: The establishment of reservations confined the Shoshone and Bannock to limited areas, restricting their freedom of movement and access to resources. The conditions on the reservations were often poor, with inadequate housing, sanitation, and healthcare.
-
Cultural Disruption: The treaties also led to the suppression of Shoshone and Bannock culture and traditions. Government policies aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society, including the forced education of children in boarding schools and the suppression of Native languages and religious practices.
-
Economic Hardship: The loss of land and resources, coupled with the failure of the government to fully honor its treaty obligations, led to widespread poverty and economic hardship among the Shoshone and Bannock.
The Legacy of the Treaties Today
The Shoshone and Bannock Treaties continue to have a significant impact on the lives of the Shoshone and Bannock people today. The tribes continue to assert their treaty rights and fight for the recognition of their sovereignty. They are also working to revitalize their cultures and languages, and to improve the economic and social well-being of their communities.
The Shoshone and Bannock tribes have pursued legal challenges to assert their treaty rights, particularly in relation to land and resource management. These legal battles have often been protracted and complex, but they have also resulted in some significant victories for the tribes.
Furthermore, the tribes are actively engaged in cultural preservation efforts, including language revitalization programs, traditional arts and crafts workshops, and cultural tourism initiatives. These efforts are aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Shoshone and Bannock people for future generations.
In conclusion, the Shoshone and Bannock Treaties represent a complex and often tragic chapter in the history of the American West. While the treaties were intended to establish peace and define boundaries, they ultimately resulted in the dispossession, cultural disruption, and economic hardship of the Shoshone and Bannock people. However, the tribes have persevered, and they continue to assert their treaty rights and fight for a better future. Understanding the history of these treaties is essential to understanding the ongoing challenges faced by the Shoshone and Bannock people today, and to building a more just and equitable future for all. The historical context of the Shoshone and Bannock Treaties is vital to understanding the present conditions and ongoing struggles of the tribes involved.