The Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Western Shoshone people. This federally recognized tribe is a confederation, uniting four distinct bands, each residing within its own Indian Colony in the state of Nevada. The bands that comprise the Te-Moak Tribe are the Battle Mountain Band, the Elko Band, the South Fork Band, and the Wells Band. These individual bands, while united under the umbrella of the Te-Moak Tribe, retain their unique identities and governance structures, reflecting the rich diversity within the broader Western Shoshone culture.
Identity and Nomenclature
The traditional name for the Western Shoshone people is "Newe," meaning simply "the people." This name reflects the deep connection to their land and their sense of collective identity. However, during the 1820s, as white settlers began to interact with the Newe, they were renamed "Shoshone." This name, now widely used, carries with it a history of cultural exchange and, at times, displacement.
The official name of the confederated tribe is the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada. This formal title acknowledges the tribal structure, geographic location, and the specific Western Shoshone heritage of its members.
Location and Contact Information
The Te-Moak Tribe maintains its administrative headquarters in Elko, Nevada. The central address is:
525 Sunset Street, Elko, Nevada 89801
For inquiries, the tribe can be reached by phone at (702) 738-9251, or by fax at (702) 738-2345. Additional information can be found on their official website: http://www.temoaktribe.com
Traditional Territory and Treaties
Historically, the Western Shoshone territory encompassed a vast expanse of the Great Basin region. This area included southern Idaho, the central part of Nevada, portions of northwestern Utah, and even extended into the Death Valley region of southern California. This expansive territory provided the resources necessary for the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Western Shoshone people.
A significant moment in the tribe’s history is the Treaty of Ruby Valley, signed in 1863. This treaty granted the tribe ownership of a substantial portion of eastern Nevada. However, nearly a century later, when the U.S. government offered $26 million in compensation for the land, the tribe rejected the offer. This decision underscored their unwavering commitment to the return of their ancestral lands, rather than monetary compensation. This highlights the ongoing struggle for land rights that continues to be a central issue for the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada.
Reservations and Colonies
In the early 20th century, the U.S. government sought to consolidate the Western Shoshone population onto a single reservation located in Duck Valley, along the Nevada-Idaho border. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) aimed to coerce all Shoshones of the Great Basin to relocate there. However, less than one-third of the Western Shoshone people agreed to this arrangement. As a result, the government encouraged Northern Paiutes from Oregon and Nevada to join the Western Shoshones who remained off-reservation.
To accommodate those who refused relocation to Duck Valley, the government established several "colonies" as alternatives to full-sized reservations. These colonies, though smaller in scale, provided a land base for the bands to maintain their communities and cultural identity.
The bands that comprise the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada specifically resisted relocation to the Duck Valley Reservation when it was established in 1877. This resistance led the U.S. government to grant them territory closer to their ancestral tribal lands, resulting in the establishment of colonies in Battle Mountain, Elko, and Wells, as well as the South Fork Indian Reservation. These separate colonies, while part of the same tribe, reflect the unique character and traditions of each band.
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Battle Mountain Indian Colony: Established in 1917, this colony encompasses almost 700 acres. It provides housing for members of the Battle Mountain Band and includes community facilities such as a senior center and a smoke shop/convenience store that offers fireworks and traditional arts and crafts.
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Elko Indian Colony: Founded near the city of Elko in 1918, this colony consists of the Elko Smoke Shop and numerous tribal member homes. Its location within northeastern Nevada’s largest city provides access to various services, reducing the need for tribe-specific amenities. The Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko features artifacts from Shoshone people who once practiced traditional nomadic ways of life throughout the region. The Elko Band Powwow, held annually in October, is one of the state’s largest, featuring food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and displays of traditional dancing.
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Wells Indian Colony: The 80-acre Wells Indian Colony was established in 1977. However, the Te-Moak Shoshone people had frequented the Humboldt Wells springs near the town for many centuries before Wells was founded in 1868. The community includes a small park and the Wells Smoke Shop.
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South Fork Indian Reservation: At more than 20 square miles, the South Fork Indian Reservation is the largest tract of Te-Moak Shoshone tribal land in the state. Established in 1941, the reservation is located at the foot of the Ruby Mountains, 28 miles south of Elko. Development has been limited, with the exception of the small town of Lee, a community center, and hay crops used to feed the tribe’s cattle herd, which serves as their largest source of revenue.
Demographics and Governance
Each band within the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada maintains its own tribal enrollment rolls. Collectively, the four bands have approximately 2,096 members. Enrollment requirements vary among the bands.
The tribe operates under a constitution adopted in 1938, which was recognized by the federal government. The Te-Moak Tribal Council has jurisdiction over all tribal lands. However, the individual colonies retain sovereignty over other affairs, and each band has its own governing Band Council with limited authority over local matters. The Te-Moak Tribal Council consists of five members plus executive officers, including a Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Elections are held every three years.
Language and Culture
The traditional language of the Western Shoshone people is part of the Numic language family. Efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize the language, although the number of fluent speakers is limited.
Prior to European contact, the Te-Moak Tribes were hunter-gatherers, dividing themselves into small extended family groups who confined themselves to specific areas for hunting and gathering. Traditional subsistence practices included hunting game, gathering wild plants, and fishing.
Economy
Cattle ranching has been a primary source of income for many Western Shoshone bands throughout the 20th century. Many tribal members find seasonal employment in agriculture and ranching throughout the region. The tribe also owns a combination convenience store/smoke shop, which employs six people. The tribal government employs 20 people, and a mine filter cleaning business employs three people. Limited employment opportunities exist on the reservation lands.
The Ongoing Struggle
The history of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada is marked by resilience in the face of adversity. Their refusal to accept monetary compensation for their ancestral lands, and their ongoing efforts to maintain their cultural identity and self-governance, demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their heritage. The challenges they face, including limited economic opportunities and the need to preserve their language and culture, underscore the importance of continued support and advocacy for the Te-Moak Tribe and other Native American communities.