The Newe’

The Eastern Band of Shoshone currently reside on the Wind River Indian Reservation in west central Wyoming.  Historically, they inhabited areas of which is now Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Colorado.  Through warfare with other tribes such as the Sioux, Arapaho, Crow, Blackfeet and Cheyenne they gained dominance with other bands of Shoshone for a substantial amount of land in the areas mentioned.

The Newe’ befriended the white man and became allies with the United States Government in the mid 1800’s although it was based on a position of strength.  This led to the Treaty of 1863 and later the 1868 Fort Bridger Treaty.  The treaty of 1863 encompassed 44 million acres and included parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho (before statehood).  Due to western expansion the treaty was renegotiated in 1868 and reduced to 2.2 million acres in the area known as the Warm Valley in west central Wyoming.  The bands of Shoshone were very dominant in various areas of the western part of the country before statehood existed in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Montana and Colorado.

In 1878 the Northern Band of Arapaho were placed on the Shoshone Reservation, the first violation of the 1868 Treaty, as a temporary place for the tribe until one was set aside in Northern Colorado.  This never happened.  In 1924, the Eastern Shoshone Tribe sued the federal government for the placement of the Northern Arapaho on their reservation.  The Tunnison Act of 1939 awarded the Eastern Shoshone Tribe a monetary amount and the Shoshone Reservation became the Wind River Indian Reservation with each tribe sharing 50/50 undivided interest in the land.

The Eastern Band, which was led by Chief Washakie and his sub chiefs, was nomadic and was strong allies with the other Shoshone Bands within a large region before the reservation days.  Through colonization and assimilation many became farmers and ranchers during this transition period in the early days of reservation life. During the early 1900’s tribal members were not allowed to hunt or fish on the land, although there was an abundance of wildlife available.  They were forced to rely on government rations distributed at the agency.  Ceremonies were outlawed and was only performed in secret.  Reservation boarding schools, led by the Catholic and Episcopal churches, were a means to Kill the Indian and Save the Man doctrine used during that time.  Identity, language and customs were threatened and were not allowed during this period.  Many tribal children were sent to Carlisle Boarding School in Pennsylvania during this time and many were as young as eight years old.  Many died there.

Through this period the Eastern Shoshone kept their tribal customs and ceremonies to the present day.  The language is fading and has become a priority for the tribe.  The current enrollment is 4300 tribal members with 45 fluent speakers.  As many tribes develop efforts to retain their language it remains threatened.

Throughout the western region of this country the Shoshones have left their history and presence in many areas where they once inhabited.  Although many books have been written on the Shoshone, many have not had tribal input.  Our existence has been told by archeology or books although our stories have been orally passed through generations.  This is a practice that has kept us strong and resilient. Through decades of educating the non-tribal members about us we are at a crossroads of importance of educating ourselves about ourselves.

Faced with social issues and inadequate healthcare and law enforcement the tribe face operating in a system developed by federal policies.  This includes being historically underfunded and managing with outdated policies.  Many decisions regarding treaty rights and resource management have been decided in courts of law. The tribe continues to fight for their rights as efforts continue to threaten them. 

 

TEMEEQ APEH

En nah sue weh Giin, seeka tavia nemeeq soon tay kund, des nemeeq eyi kund oyos.

Sogo piyah soon taykund, waaseepi, des neemeeq paaq.  Oyo goos eh hunip ha des soon tay kun.

Oose!

 

Our Father, You have all blessings and power.  Bless us this day and watch over us at all times.  Bless Mother Earth, our animals, our water and bless everything you have created.  

Amen….Oose