The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada, a vibrant and resilient community, are Northern Paiute people with a deep connection to the land. Their story is one of adaptation, perseverance, and a continued commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada holds a unique position within the broader Northern Paiute culture, distinguished by their historical territory and contemporary governance. Notably, the Summit Lake Reservation is known as the most remote Indian reservation in Nevada, a geographical characteristic that has profoundly shaped the Tribe’s history and present-day life.
Official Tribal Information
- Official Tribal Name: Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada
- Address: 1708 H Street, Sparks, Nevada
- Phone: 775-827-9670 or 800-335-7978
- Fax: (702) 623-0558
- Official Website: http://www.summitlaketribe.org/
- Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
Name and Identity
The traditional name of the Summit Lake Paiute people is Agai Panina Ticutta, a name that speaks volumes about their relationship with the environment. It translates to "Summit Lake Fish Eaters," reflecting the vital role that the lake’s resources, particularly fish, played in their sustenance and cultural identity. The name encapsulates the intimate connection between the people and the natural world that sustained them for generations.
Geographic Location and Territory
The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe is rooted in the Great Basin region, specifically within the state of Nevada. Historically, their traditional territory encompassed a vast expanse of land, estimated at approximately 2,800 square miles. This territory extended beyond the borders of present-day Nevada, reaching into parts of Oregon and California. This vast territory underlines the historical reach and influence of the Agai Panina Ticutta prior to European contact.
The Summit Lake Reservation
Established in 1913, the Summit Lake Reservation is a testament to the Tribe’s enduring presence in their ancestral lands. Its remoteness is a defining characteristic, situated almost 40 miles from the nearest paved road. Encompassing nearly 20 square miles, the reservation is nestled between the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area in northwestern Nevada. This location places the Tribe in a region of immense natural beauty and ecological significance.
The reservation’s location, surrounded by Humboldt County in northwestern Nevada, places it approximately 50 miles south of the Oregon state line and about 50 miles east of the California state line. This positioning highlights the Tribe’s historical presence at the crossroads of several states, a factor that has influenced their interactions with other tribes and external entities.
The land that now constitutes the reservation has an interesting history. It was once part of a military reservation known as Camp McGarry, established by Executive order in 1867. However, the military abandoned the camp in 1871, and the land was transferred from the War Department to the Department of the Interior. This transition marked a significant shift in the land’s purpose and paved the way for the establishment of the Summit Lake Reservation.
Due to the delicate nature of the reservation’s ecosystem, access for non-tribal members is restricted to protect its unique environmental features. This measure underscores the Tribe’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of their natural resources.
Land and Resources
The total acreage of the reservation today is approximately 12,573 acres, which includes the surface area of Summit Lake. The lake itself is a terminal lake, meaning that no water flows out of it. The lake’s surface area fluctuates between 560 and over 900 acres, depending on seasonal variations, particularly between the snowmelt in spring and the drier conditions of summer. The varying water levels influence the ecosystem and the availability of resources for the Tribe.
Within the reservation, 765 acres are allotments held in trust by the federal government for individual tribal members. Additionally, 40 acres are public domain land, and another 40 acres are owned in fee simple by non-Indians. This diverse pattern of land ownership reflects the complex historical and legal factors that have shaped the reservation’s landscape.
Tribal Governance and Membership
The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada’s headquarters are located in Winnemucca, Nevada. As a federally recognized tribe, they operate under a constitution and bylaws approved on January 8, 1965, and are organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934. The Tribe’s governing body is the Summit Lake Paiute Tribal Council, which consists of five members, including the Chairwoman, Vice-Chairwoman, and Secretary/Treasurer.
As of today, the registered population of the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada is approximately 120 members. Enrollment requirements are managed by the Council Enrollment Liaison, who can be contacted for information and to schedule appointments for tribal enrollment identification cards.
Language and Cultural Preservation
While the number of fluent speakers is limited, the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe is committed to preserving their native language. Resources like the Paiute Dictionary, accessible online, play a crucial role in language revitalization efforts. These efforts underscore the Tribe’s dedication to maintaining their cultural heritage for future generations.
Subsistence and Traditional Life
Historically, the Summit Lake Paiutes were hunter-gatherers, relying on the land’s bounty for their sustenance. They foraged for a wide variety of medicinal and edible plants, demonstrating a deep understanding of the local flora. Plant fibers were also used to create functional baskets, rope, and other essential items for daily life.
The Lahontan cutthroat trout, found in Pyramid Lake, Walker Lake, Summit Lake, and Lake Tahoe, was a major food source for the Northern Paiute, Western Shoshone, and Washoe Native Americans. These trout were caught, dried, and stored for consumption during the winter months, highlighting their importance as a reliable food source.
Pine nuts were another staple food, gathered in the fall and ground into flour to make bread and thicken soups. The Tribe also hunted small game, such as rabbits, and larger animals like antelope, deer, and mountain goat, further diversifying their diet.
Housing and Shelter
The Paiutes traditionally lived in conical brush houses called wickiups, which provided shelter and protection from the elements. These structures were adapted to the environment and reflected the Tribe’s resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Connections to Other Tribes
The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe is related to other Northern Paiute tribes, including the Duck Valley Paiute, Pyramid Lake Paiute, Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Fort Independence Paiute, Ft. McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Goshute Confederated Tribes, Kaibab Band of Paiute, Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, Lovelock Paiute Tribe, Moapa River Reservation, Reno/Sparks Indian Colony, Winnemucca Colony, Walker River Paiute Tribe, and Yerington Paiute Tribe. These connections reflect the shared history, culture, and language of the Northern Paiute people.
The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada continues to navigate the challenges of the modern world while upholding their traditions and cultural values. Their remote location, while presenting unique challenges, also serves as a refuge for preserving their heritage and connection to the land. The Summit Lake Paiute Tribe of Nevada are an enduring testament to the strength and resilience of the Northern Paiute people.