The Yerington Paiute Tribe of the Yerington Colony & Campbell Ranch stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and rich cultural heritage of the Northern Paiute people. This federally recognized tribe, located in western Nevada, is part of a larger network of Paiute bands dispersed across a vast swathe of the American West. Understanding the Yerington Paiute requires appreciating both their unique identity and their connection to the broader Paiute Nation.
The Paiute Nation: A Tapestry of Bands
The term "Paiute" (pronounced PY-yoot) encompasses numerous distinct bands inhabiting a vast geographical area. This territory stretches from central Oregon southward through the Las Vegas Valley, reaching lands along the Colorado River in Arizona and Southern California, and extending eastward into southwestern Idaho. This expansive region reflects the adaptability and resourcefulness of the Paiute people, who have historically thrived in diverse desert and mountainous environments.
These bands are often categorized into three primary groups, reflecting their distinct geographical locations and cultural adaptations:
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Northern Paiutes: Occupying northwestern Nevada, northeastern California, southeastern Oregon, and southwestern Idaho, the Northern Paiutes are known for their resilience in the face of harsh environmental conditions.
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Owens Valley Paiutes: Traditionally residing in the Owens River watershed of southeastern California, this group adapted to the unique resources and challenges of this fertile valley.
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Southern Paiutes: Inhabiting southeastern California, southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and western Utah, the Southern Paiutes developed distinct cultural practices suited to the arid landscapes of the southern Great Basin.
The Yerington Paiute Tribe: A Distinct Identity
Within this larger Paiute context, the Yerington Paiute Tribe of the Yerington Colony & Campbell Ranch maintains a distinct identity and governance structure. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.
Recognition and Governance
The tribe achieved federal recognition under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to promote tribal self-governance and economic development. This recognition solidified the tribe’s legal standing and paved the way for greater self-determination.
The tribe is governed by the Yerington Paiute Tribal Council, comprised of eight members. Elections are held every two years, ensuring a responsive and accountable leadership. The Tribal Council plays a crucial role in shaping tribal policy, managing resources, and advocating for the interests of the Yerington Paiute people. The tribe’s constitution and bylaws, ratified on January 4, 1937, provide the framework for their self-governance. The tribal council consists of 8 members and 4 executive officers.
Lands and Resources
The Yerington Paiute Tribe controls the Yerington Reservation and Trust Lands, located in Lyon County, Nevada. Established in 1916 and 1936, these lands encompass 1,653 acres (6.69 km2) and serve as the heart of the tribal community.
The Yerington Colony, established on May 18, 1916, through an Act of Congress, initially consisted of 9.456 acres, with an additional 12.91 acres purchased on January 16, 1978. This colony is located adjacent to the town of Yerington, Nevada.
The Campbell Ranch, acquired on December 10, 1936, under the authority of the Indian Reorganization Act, comprised 1,018.88 acres. Subsequent additions included 120 acres on August 1, 1941, and 480 acres on April 11, 1979. The Campbell Ranch is located approximately ten miles north of Yerington, Lyon County, Nevada, two miles west of U.S. Alternate 95.
These lands are not only a physical homeland but also a repository of cultural and historical significance. The tribe is actively involved in managing its resources sustainably, balancing economic development with the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage.
Language and Culture
The Yerington Paiute people speak a dialect of the Northern Paiute language, also known as Paviotso, which belongs to the Western Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. This language is a vital link to the tribe’s past and a key component of its cultural identity.
The tribe’s traditional name for themselves is Numu, meaning "People." The Yerington Paiute band was historically known as Poo-zi Ticutta, meaning "bulb eaters," reflecting the importance of bulb plants in their traditional diet. The common name "Paiute" is believed to mean "true Ute" or "water Ute," highlighting the group’s relationship to the Ute Indians of Utah.
Efforts are underway to preserve and revitalize the Northern Paiute language, ensuring that future generations can connect with their linguistic heritage.
Membership and Enrollment
Membership in the Yerington Paiute Tribe of the Yerington Colony & Campbell Ranch is governed by specific criteria outlined in the tribal constitution. These requirements typically include:
- Descent from a Paiute Indian who was a resident of the Yerington Colony Site at the time of the adoption of the constitution and bylaws.
- Residency in Smith and Mason Valleys at the time of the constitution’s adoption, with their name appearing on the official Indian census roll as of January 1, 1935.
- Birth to a member of the Yerington Paiute Tribe who resided within the tribe’s jurisdiction at the time of the child’s birth.
As of 1992, the tribe had 659 enrolled members.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
The Yerington Paiute culture is rich in traditions and practices that have been passed down through generations. These include:
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Subsistence: Traditionally, the Yerington Paiute were hunter-gatherers, relying on a diverse range of resources for sustenance. They harvested plants such as camas, cattail roots, rice grass seeds, and berries. Piñon pine nuts were a staple food. They hunted ducks, rabbits, antelope, deer, and bighorn mountain sheep. Fishing was also an important activity.
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Housing: Due to their nomadic lifestyle, the Yerington Paiute constructed temporary dwellings made of willow poles covered with brush and reeds or woven mats. Dome-shaped, mat-covered houses were common winter structures.
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Clothing: Traditional clothing included skin breechcloths or double-aprons of skin or vegetable fiber. Animal-skin moccasins or woven yucca sandals were worn on the feet. In the winter, robes of rabbit fur strips or skin capes provided warmth.
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Ceremonies and Dances: Paiute songs are performed by individuals or groups in unison. Traditional instruments included shaman’s rattles and sticks beaten during hand games. Round Dances were a common form of social and spiritual expression.
Modern-Day Initiatives
Today, the Yerington Paiute Tribe is actively engaged in a variety of initiatives to improve the well-being of its members and promote its cultural heritage. These include:
- Education Programs: The tribe operates its own education program, providing opportunities for tribal members to pursue their academic goals.
- Environmental Programs: The tribe is committed to protecting its natural resources through environmental programs that oversee air and water quality and wetlands.
- Law Enforcement: The tribe maintains its own police force to ensure the safety and security of the community.
- Social Services: The tribe provides a range of social services to support the needs of its members.
- Economic Development: The tribe operates economic development enterprises such as the Arrowhead Market, a fuel and convenience store, and Campbell Ranch, which grows alfalfa.
The Yerington Paiute Tribe of the Yerington Colony & Campbell Ranch faces the challenges of preserving its cultural heritage while adapting to the demands of the modern world. Through its commitment to self-governance, cultural preservation, and economic development, the tribe is working to create a brighter future for its members and ensure that the legacy of the Northern Paiute people continues to thrive.
B.I.A. Agency
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.) Western Nevada Agency serves the Yerington Paiute Tribe. The agency is located in Carson City, Nevada and can be contacted by phone.