A nvGenWeb & usgenweb project
Native Americans in Clark County |
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Although twenty-seven tribes at one time or another were in Nevada, only four are given much attention: Northern Paiute, Shoshonean, Southern Pahute and Washos. Here in Southern Nevada, the Southern Pahutes are Federally recognized as the "Moapa River Band of Pahutes". A second Pahute Band is known as the Las Vegas Pahute Tribe. According to John Wesley Powell:
Pah-ute is a branch of Ute and a division of Shoshonean Indians. Pah-Ute meaning "water Ute" or Ute who lives near water". It is more often spelled Paiute or Piute. Living in such severe and barren environment, the Southern Pahutes hunted small animals, gathered berries and nuts. Pine nuts were especially hunted. They were not very ornamental with necklaces, earrings and the like as they viewed it as materialistic and Nevada Indians were more interested in utilitarian skills such as basket weaving. Life centered around the family and the highest social unit was the Band. The Moapa river Indian Reservation is located north of Las Vegas encompassing part of the Muddy River. The Indian Smoke Shops are listed under Tribal Enterprises. Gambling is present in the form of slot machines at these locations. The Las Vegas Paiute Tribe is located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. It is on land donated by Helen Stewart, widow of Archibald Stewart. There is a Smoke Shop at this location as well. In early years of census taking, a portion of the Ft Mojave Indian Reservation was located in the then "Pah Ute County" of Nevada. If you are interested in this enumeration check the census page for possible links. Useful links |
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