- Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians of the Las Vegas Indian Colony
-
Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians Total population 71 (in 1992)[1] Regions with significant populations 
United States (
Nevada)Languages English, Southern Paiute
Religion traditional tribal religion, previously Ghost Dance
Related ethnic groups other Southern Paiute tribes, Chemehuevi
The Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians of the Las Vegas Indian Colony is a federally recognized tribe of Southern Paiute Indians in southern Nevada.[1]
Contents
Reservation
The Las Vegas Paiute Tribe has a reservation, the Las Vegas Indian Colony, at 36°21′02″N 115°20′27″W / 36.35056°N 115.34083°W in Clark County, Nevada. The reservation was first established in 1911 and today is 3,850 acres (15.6 km2) large. In 1992, 52 tribal members lived on the reservation and 71 people were enrolled in the tribe.[1]
History
The tribe belongs to the Tudinu band of Paiutes, known as the "Desert People." Their traditional territory is along the Colorado River region of southeastern Nevada, southeastern California, and Utah.[2] Non-native settlers moved into the area, displacing the local tribe. Settlement increased after the completion of a railroad into the area and establishment of Las Vegas, Nevada. A local rancher owner, Helen J. Stewart deeded 10 acres (40,000 m2) in downtown Las Vegas to the Paiutes on December 30, 1911, creating the Las Vegas Indian Colony.[2]
The tribe ratified their constitution and bylaws on July 22, 1970. They were federally recognized, under the Indian Reorganization Act. In 1983 Congress returned 3,800 acres (15 km2) of land at the Snow Mountain Reservation to the tribe.[2]
Today
The Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians currently operates a minimart,[3] two smoke shops;[4] a health and human services program; the Las Vegas Paiute Police Department, with 10 law enforcement officers and the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, located northwest of Las Vegas.[5] The tribes hosts the Annual Snow Mountain Pow Wow every Memorial Day weekend.[6]
The tribal headquarters is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tribe is governed by a seven-person tribal council.[1]
Notes
- ^ a b c d Pritzker, 232
- ^ a b c "Tribe History." Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. (retrieved 14 Dec 2009)
- ^ Pritzker, 233
- ^ Las Vegas Paiute Tribal Smoke Shop (retrieved 8 Nov 2011)
- ^ "Departments." Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. (retrieved 14 Dec 2009)
- ^ "Pow Wow." Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. (retrieved 14 Dec 2009)
References
- Pritzker, Barry M. A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 978-0195138771.
External links
- Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, official website
Categories:- Paiute
- American Indian reservations in Nevada
- Geography of Clark County, Nevada
- Native American tribes in Nevada
- Federally recognized tribes in the United States
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
