The Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, located in central Wyoming, shares its home with the Northern Arapaho Tribe, creating a unique intertribal community within the vast landscape of the Wind River Basin. This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary life of the Eastern Shoshone people, offering a comprehensive overview of their enduring presence in the American West. The Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation‘s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a deep connection to the land.
Linguistic and Historical Origins
The Eastern Shoshone people are part of the Uto-Aztecan linguistic family, a vast network of related languages that once spanned a considerable area of western North America. This linguistic group stretched from the Cascade Mountains in the northwest, across the northern plains of Wyoming, and southward into Mexico. The only exception to this geographic distribution within the Great Basin area was the Washoe tribe of California. Other tribes within this linguistic group include the Paiutes, Bannocks, Comanches, and Utes.
Official Information and Contact
- Official Tribal Name: Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation
- Address: Eastern Shoshone Business Council, PO Box 538, Ft. Washakie, WY 82514
- Phone: (307) 332-3532
- Fax: (307) 332-3055
- Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
Nomenclature and Identity
The Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation is also known as the Eastern Shoshone. The term "Shoshoni" is an alternate spelling of their name. The common name "Eastern Shoshone" denotes their geographic location relative to other Shoshone bands and their historical migration patterns.
Geographic Distribution and Traditional Territory
Historically, the Eastern Shoshone were nomadic, traversing between their summer residences in eastern Idaho and their ancestral hunting grounds within the Wind River Valley of Wyoming. This mobility allowed them to utilize the diverse resources of the region, adapting their culture to incorporate elements of both Plains and Great Basin traditions.
The tribe’s cultural attributes reflect the influence of their diverse territories. They adopted the use of horses, relied heavily on bison for sustenance, and constructed tipis for housing, all characteristic of Plains Indian culture. Simultaneously, they maintained connections with their Great Basin and Colorado Plateau relatives, reflecting a broader cultural heritage.
A distinct group within the Eastern Shoshone, known as the Sheepeaters, were mountain dwellers who remained in the Wind River Country year-round. These specialized hunters followed the annual migration of bighorn sheep, moving between the high peaks of the Wind River and Absaroka Mountains during the summer and the foothills during the winter.
As westward expansion brought increased pressure from white settlement, Chief Washakie recognized the strategic importance of securing a permanent homeland for his people. He determined that the Wind River Country, with its mild winters, abundant game, and plentiful mountain-fed streams, offered the best prospects for the tribe’s survival and prosperity.
Conflict and Resolution: The Battle for Wind River Valley
In the early 1860s, the Eastern Shoshone faced competition for control of the Wind River Valley from other tribes, particularly the Crow Indians, who occupied the northwestern portion of present-day Wyoming. Under the leadership of Chief Big Robber, the Crow began encroaching upon territory that the Eastern Shoshone considered their own.
Chief Washakie, seeking a peaceful resolution, sent a message to Chief Big Robber proposing a compromise. However, Chief Big Robber rejected the offer and killed the messenger, igniting a fierce war between the two tribes. The Shoshone were allied with the Bannock in this conflict.
The war proved inconclusive, leading the two chiefs to agree to a duel to determine the outcome and control of the Wind River Valley. The battle was hard-fought, but Washakie ultimately prevailed, killing Big Robber. According to local legend, Washakie, as a sign of respect for his fallen foe’s valor, cut out Big Robber’s heart and placed it on the end of his lance. Crowheart Butte, located in the northwestern part of Wind River Country, is named in honor of this famous encounter, commemorating the bravery and respect shown by both leaders.
Treaties and the Establishment of the Wind River Reservation
The Great Treaty Council, formally known as the Fort Bridger Treaty Council of 1868, holds significant historical importance. It was the last treaty council convened to establish a reservation; all subsequent reservations were created by executive order.
Chief Washakie and a council of tribal elders signed the treaty formally establishing the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Uniquely, the Eastern Shoshone were granted a voice in determining the location of their permanent home, a rare occurrence in the treaty-making process between the U.S. government and American Indian tribes.
The Wind River Reservation: Land and Environment
The Wind River Reservation, the contemporary home of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, encompasses approximately 3,500 square miles, or 2,268,000 acres, in central Wyoming’s Wind River Basin. This area, traditionally known as "The Warm Valley of the Wind River" by its native inhabitants, lies just east of the Continental Divide. The reservation is bordered on the north by the Owl Creek Mountains, which connect to the Rocky Mountains, and extends east to the Wind River Canyon.
The reservation’s diverse landscape includes mountainous terrain, foothills, and plains. The Wind River Mountains and the Bridger and Shoshone National Forests form the western boundary, from which numerous streams flow south and east into the foothills and plains that constitute two-thirds of the reservation.
- Land Area: 2,268,008 acres
- Tribal Headquarters: Fort Washakie, Wyoming
Demographics and Governance
The Eastern Shoshone currently number approximately 4,005 enrolled members. The tribe is located on the Wind River Reservation, which is also home to the Northern Arapaho Tribe. While residing on the same reservation, the two tribes maintain separate tribal governments.
The Eastern Shoshone operate under a constitution approved by the Tribal membership. The governing body is the Eastern Shoshone Business Council, consisting of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and four additional Council members, all elected by the Tribal members. The Tribal Council Chairman serves as the administrative head of the Tribe for a two-year term, along with the Vice-Chairman and the other Council members.
Language and Cultural Preservation
The Eastern Shoshone language is part of the Shoshonean linguistic stock of the larger Uto-Aztecan family. Historically, the territory of this linguistic group was vast, stretching from the Cascades and Sierra Nevada mountains to the northern Plains and southward into Mexico. While various dialects existed, speakers generally understood each other.
Today, efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize the Eastern Shoshone language and culture, ensuring that these vital aspects of their heritage are passed on to future generations.
A History of Adaptation and Change
The Eastern Shoshone’s history is marked by adaptation and change. They migrated onto the Plains from Nevada in the 1600s, adopting new cultural practices while maintaining connections to their Great Basin roots. They were among the first tribes to acquire horses from the Spanish settlements in New Mexico in the 1600s, revolutionizing their hunting and transportation methods.
The tribe’s traditional lifestyle centered around hunting and gathering. They lived in hide-covered tipis and relied on the resources of the land for sustenance.
Contemporary Life and Challenges
Today, the Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation faces numerous challenges, including high unemployment rates. However, the tribe is actively working to improve the economic and social well-being of its members through various initiatives.
The Wind River Tribal College provides educational opportunities for tribal members, fostering academic and professional development. The tribe is also engaged in efforts to protect its natural resources and preserve its cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation stands as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Shoshone people. Their history, culture, and ongoing efforts to build a brighter future for their community are a vital part of the American West. The story of the Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation continues to unfold, shaped by their deep connection to the land and their commitment to preserving their unique cultural identity.