Shoshoni

Treaty of July 2, 1863

On July 2, 1863, the United States and the Shoshone nation formalized a treaty at Fort Bridger, restoring peaceful relations and guaranteeing safe travel through Shoshone territory for settlers and government officials. The agreement allowed for military and agricultural development along travel routes, established protections for telegraph and stage lines, and included provisions for the construction of a railway. The United States committed to paying the Shoshone $10,000 annually for 20 years to compensate for lost resources, alongside a distribution of provisions valued at $6,000.

Treaty of July 30, 1863

On July 30, 1863, a treaty was established at Box Elder between the United States, represented by Brigadier-General P. Edward Connor and Commissioner James Duane Doty, and the Northwestern bands of the Shoshone Indians. The agreement sought to restore friendly relations and ensure perpetual peace. It confirmed prior treaty provisions, increased annuities to the Shoshone Nation, and provided immediate aid to those affected by war. The territory claimed by chief Pokatello was also delineated, affirming limited land rights based on previous claims.

Treaty of October 12, 1863

On October 12, 1863, the United States and the Shoshonee-Goship bands signed a treaty establishing peace and friendship. The agreement ensured the cessation of hostilities and guaranteed safe passage for travelers. The bands allowed the construction of military posts and railways through their lands, and they accepted compensation for the loss of game due to white settlement. For twenty years, the U.S. pledged annual payments in goods to support their transition from a nomadic lifestyle. Boundaries of their territory were also defined within the treaty.

Treaty of October 1, 1863

The Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed on October 1, 1863, at Ruby Valley, established a formal agreement between the United States and the Western Bands of the Shoshone Nation. It aimed to maintain peace, protect travel routes, and facilitate the establishment of telegraph lines and railways within Shoshone territory. The treaty also allowed for mineral exploration and compensation for lost game due to white settlement. In return, the Shoshone agreed to abandon nomadic lifestyles for agricultural living as directed by the U.S. government.

Northern Shoshoni Indians

The Northern Shoshoni, part of the Shoshonean branch of the Uto-Aztecan linguistic family, occupied regions of eastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and northeastern Utah. Known by various names across tribes, they were historically divided into bands led by popular chiefs. Their interactions with European settlers were notably positive, particularly under Chief Washakie. The Northern Shoshoni were significantly impacted by treaties in the late 19th century, leading to the establishment of reservations in Idaho and Wyoming. Their history is intertwined with key figures like Sacagawea, a guide for Lewis and Clark.

Snake Tribe

The term “Snake Indians” refers to various Shoshonean groups, predominantly those in eastern Oregon. This designation encompasses several synonyms and is closely associated with the Paviotso of western Nevada and the Mono of southeastern California. Key tribes within this classification include those located along the Walpapi and Yahuskin rivers.

Kawia Tribe

The name Kawia refers to two distinct tribes in California: a Shoshonean tribe and an extinct Yokuts tribe. The larger Shoshonean Kawia inhabited areas from Banning to the Salton Sea and were first documented in 1776 by Fray Francisco Garcés. Their principal settlement was near San Gorgonio Pass. In contrast, the Yokuts Kawia lived along the Kaweah River but are now extinct, having been hostile to American settlers. Both tribes have contributed to the complex history of Indigenous peoples in the region.

Shoshoni Indian Chiefs and Leaders

Washakie

The Washakies Band represents the easternmost division of the Shoshoni people, named after their chief, Washakie. He, born around 1804, was a significant leader known for his strong ties with white settlers and his military prowess. Washakie’s leadership was solidified through his courageous acts, including retrieving scalps to reaffirm his position. His band assisted emigrants traveling through their territory and maintained friendly relations, earning commendations from thousands. After his death in 1900, he was buried with military honors, leaving a legacy of leadership and cooperation.

Shoshoni Tribe

The Shoshoni Tribe is the northernmost division of the Shoshonean family, historically inhabiting parts of Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. They were primarily horse and buffalo hunters, with distinct lifestyles varying by region: northern groups lived in tipis, while those in the arid west used brush shelters. The tribe’s name likely originated from another group, with several dialects spoken among various bands. The population was around 3,250 in 1909, with several subdivisions noted.

Luiseno Tribe

The Luiseño Indians, a southern Shoshonean group in California, were named after the San Luis Rey mission. Their territory spanned from the coast, including areas like San Marcos and Escondido, to the inland regions near the San Jacinto River. Historically linked with the Aguas Calientes, Juaneños, and Kawia, their population was recorded at about 2,500 to 2,800 in 1856, declining to 1,142 by 1885. Most were relocated to reservations under the Mission Tule River agency, with their villages including Pala, Temecula, and Rincon.

Mono-Paviotso Indians

The Mono-Paviotso Indians are one of the three major dialectic groups of the Shoshoneans of the Great Plateau, comprising the Mono of southeastern California, the Paviotso of western Nevada, and the Snakes and Saidyuka of eastern Oregon. They were organized into bands, each led by a chief, and possibly formed confederacies, though these relationships are unclear. The group includes numerous bands with distinct names, and their estimated population in 1903 was around 5,400 individuals.

Bannock Tribe

The Bannock Indians, a Shoshonean tribe, historically inhabited Southeast Idaho and West Wyoming. Their community was notably divided into two geographic groups, with an estimated population of around 8,000 in the early 19th century. Over time, their numbers dramatically declined due to disease and conflicts, leading to their gathering on the Fort Hall Reservation by 1869. The tribe faced significant challenges, including a notable uprising in 1878, prompted by resource loss and poor government support. Their cultural and linguistic ties reveal connections to various neighboring tribes.

Chemehuevi Tribe

The Chemehuevi, a Shoshonean tribe related to the Paiute, originally inhabited the eastern bank of the Colorado River, particularly around Chemehuevi Valley. First noted by Fray Francisco Garcés in the late 18th century, they had a distinct language differing from other local tribes. They engaged in small-scale agriculture and were known for their mobility and hunting prowess. Their population was estimated to be around 750 in the mid-19th century, with later counts showing about 300 on the Colorado River reservation by 1903.

Comanche Tribe

The Comanche Indians, a southern tribe of Shoshonean stock, were primarily a Plains-dwelling people and closely related to the Shoshoni of Wyoming. Their migration southward, influenced by Sioux pressures, led them to occupy areas from Kansas to Texas. Renowned as skilled horsemen and buffalo hunters, they lived in skin tipis and maintained a complex social structure with recognized divisions. The Comanche faced significant decline due to conflict and disease, reducing their population to 1,400 by 1904 while retaining their cultural identity and language.

Castake Tribe

The Castake Indians occupied areas of California from Buena Vista and Carises lakes to the Sierra Nevada and Coast range. In 1851, they reserved land between Tejon Pass and Kern River while ceding the remainder to the U.S. By 1862, 162 Castake were reported at Fort Tejon Reservation. They are likely of Shoshonean lineage, though some suggest Mariposan or Chumashan connections. Castac Lake in the Tejon Pass region is named after this tribe, highlighting their historical presence in the area.

Condition of the Idaho Indians in 1890

U.S. Indian Agent and Party on Fort Hall Reservation

In 1890, the Indian population in Idaho was summarized across various reservations, reflecting a complex mix of tribes and their current living conditions. The Bannocks and Shoshones, primarily at Fort Hall, were intermarried and faced challenges in adapting to farming and ranching. The Nez Percé, largely Presbyterian, cultivated their lands but contended with white cattle intrusions. The Coeur d’Alene tribes were more assimilated, living in frame houses and attending church. Each group exhibited varying degrees of adaptation and socio-economic stability amidst ongoing struggles with cultural preservation and external pressures.

Tribal Signs – Lipan to Sheepeater – Sign Language

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The post outlines various sign languages used by different Native American tribes, including the Lipan, Mandan, and Sheepeater. Each tribe has unique gestures representing their identity, culture, and environment. For instance, the Lipan gesture involves specific finger movements that mimic actions associated with their surroundings, while the Mandan sign represents their distinct attire. The Sheepeater sign illustrates sheep behavior, reflecting their connection to this animal. Overall, these signs serve as essential elements of communication and cultural expression among the tribes.

Western Shoshoni Indians

The Western Shoshoni Indians inhabited regions of central and western Idaho, northwestern Utah, central and northeastern Nevada, and parts of California. Numerous subdivisions existed among them, often identified by local food sources. Their history parallels that of the Northern Shoshoni and Northern Paiute, with notable interactions with American explorers and settlers, particularly during the Gold Rush era. By the late 19th century, many Western Shoshoni shifted to ranching or mining towns, with an estimated population fluctuating around 1,200 by 1937.

Shoshoni Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

This post highlights various sub-groups associated with the Shoshoni Indian tribes, including the Boxelder Indians, Bruneau Shoshoni, Gabrieleno, and Hoonebooey. It notes that while some information on these bands and clans is scarce or they may no longer exist, they are included to enrich the historical understanding of the Shoshoni people. The Gabrieleno, for example, is detailed with its geographic and cultural relevance in Southern California. Each group represents a facet of the broader Shoshoni heritage and territorial history.