Shoshone facts for kids

The Shoshone or Shoshoni ( shoh-SHOH-nee or shə-SHOH-nee), also called Newe, are an Indigenous people of the United States. They have four main groups:

• Eastern Shoshone: Living in Wyoming.
• Northern Shoshone: Living in Southern Idaho.
• Western Shoshone: Living in California, Nevada, and Northern Utah.
• Goshute: Living in western Utah and eastern Nevada.

They traditionally speak the Shoshoni language. This language is part of the larger Uto-Aztecan language family. Sometimes, other tribes and early explorers called the Shoshone "Snake Indians." Today, Shoshone people are part of federally recognized tribes. These tribes are often found in their traditional homelands.

Who Are the Shoshone People?

The name "Shoshone" comes from Sosoni. This is a Shoshone word for tall grasses. Some nearby tribes called the Shoshone "Grass House People." This was because their traditional homes were made from these grasses. The Shoshone call themselves Newe, which means "People."

In 1805, explorer Meriwether Lewis wrote about the tribe. He called them the "Sosonees or snake Indians."

Shoshone Language Today

About 1,000 people speak the Shoshoni language today. It is part of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Shoshoni speakers live in different places. These areas stretch from central Nevada to central Wyoming.

The most Shoshoni speakers live on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. This reservation is on the border of Nevada and Idaho. Many also live on the Goshute Reservation in Utah. You can even take Shoshoni-language classes at Idaho State University.

A Look at Shoshone History

The Shoshone are a Native American tribe. They first lived in the western Great Basin area. Over time, they moved north and east. They settled in what is now Idaho and Wyoming. By the 1500s, some Eastern Shoshone had crossed the Rocky Mountains. They reached the Great Plains.

After 1750, other tribes caused pressure. These included the Blackfoot, Crow, Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. This pushed the Eastern Shoshone south and west. Some even moved as far south as Texas. These groups became known as the Comanche by 1700.

Shoshone and Settlers

More European American settlers moved west. This caused problems over land and resources. Wars happened in the late 1800s. The Northern Shoshone fought settlers in Idaho. Their leader was Chief Pocatello. The city of Pocatello is named after him. As settlers took more hunting land, the Shoshone raided farms for food. They also attacked immigrants.

A sad event happened in 1863. It was called the Bear River Massacre. U.S. forces attacked a Shoshone winter camp. About 250 Northwestern Shoshone people were killed. Many of them were not fighters. This was the largest loss of life for the Shoshone by U.S. forces. Twenty-one U.S. soldiers also died.

During the American Civil War, people kept moving west. They used trails like the Westward Expansion Trails. The Shoshone and Utes attacked mail routes. Because of this, the mail route had to be moved.

Later Conflicts and Peace

The Shoshone sometimes fought alongside the Bannock. They were related to the Bannock people. They fought the United States in the Snake War (1864–1868). They also fought together in the Bannock War in 1878. However, in 1876, the Shoshone fought with the U.S. Army. This was at the Battle of the Rosebud. They fought against their old enemies, the Lakota and Cheyenne.

In 1879, about 300 Eastern Shoshone were involved in the Sheepeater Indian War. This was the last major Indian war in the Pacific Northwest.

Protecting Sacred Land

In 2008, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation bought the land of the Bear River Massacre. They wanted to protect this holy site. They also planned to build a memorial there. The tribe is now working with others. They are focused on preserving their culture. They are also leaders in developing clean energy projects.

Shoshone Groups and Their Homes

Shoshone people are divided into traditional groups. These groups are based on their homelands. They are also named after their main food sources.

• Eastern Shoshone people:

• Guchundeka', or Buffalo Eaters.
• Tukkutikka, or Mountain Sheep Eaters.
• Boho'inee', or Sage Grass People.

• Northern Shoshone people:

• Agaideka, or Salmon Eaters. They lived near the Snake River.
• Kammedeka, or Jack Rabbit Eaters. They lived near the Snake River and Great Salt Lake.
• Tukudeka, or Sheep Eaters. They lived in the Sawtooth Range, Idaho.
• Yahandeka, or Groundhog Eaters. They lived near the Boise River.

• Western Shoshone people:

• Kusiutta, or Goshute. They lived in the Great Salt Desert, Utah.

• Skull Valley Goshute.

• Kuyatikka, or Bitterroot Eaters. They lived in Nevada.
• Painkwitikka, or Fish Eaters. They lived in Cache Valley, Idaho and Utah.
• Tipatikka, or Pinenut Eaters. This was the northernmost group.
• Tsaiduka, or Tule Eaters. They lived in Railroad Valley, Nevada.

Shoshone Reservations and Colonies

Today, many Shoshone people live on reservations. These are special lands set aside for Native American tribes. Here are some of them:

• Battle Mountain Reservation, Nevada.
• Duck Valley Indian Reservation, shared by Shoshone and Paiute tribes in Idaho/Nevada.
• Duckwater Indian Reservation, Nevada.
• Ely Shoshone Indian Reservation, Nevada.
• Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Idaho. This is home to Lemhi Shoshone and Bannock people.
• Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, Nevada and Oregon.
• Goshute Indian Reservation, Nevada and Utah.
• Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Nevada. Shared by Shoshone, Paiute, and Washoe tribes.
• Skull Valley Indian Reservation, Utah.
• Wind River Reservation, Wyoming. This large reservation is shared with the Northern Arapaho tribe.

Famous Shoshone People

Many Shoshone people have made important contributions:

• Sacagawea (1788–1812): A Lemhi Shoshone guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
• Jean Baptiste Charbonneau (1805–1866): Sacagawea's son, an explorer and guide.
• Chief Washakie: A respected Eastern Shoshone chief.
• Chief Pocatello: A Northern Shoshone chief.
• Ned Blackhawk (born about 1970): A well-known historian and professor at Yale University.
• Randy'L He-dow Teton: A modern artist.
• Lolly Vegas: Lead singer of the band Redbone (band).
• Taboo (rapper): A member of the Black Eyed Peas band, who has Shoshone heritage.

Images for kids

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  Rabbit-Tail or Moragootch.

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  A Shoshone camp in Wyoming, 1870.

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  Sheriff Charles Ferrel with Mike Daggett's family after the Battle of Kelley Creek.

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  Daggett grandchild Mary Jo Estep, age 5 in 1916.

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  Tindoor, a Lemhi Shoshone chief, and his wife, around 1897.

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  "Shoshone at Ft. Washakie, Wyoming. Chief Washakie (at left) extends his right arm." Shoshones dancing as soldiers watch, 1892.

See also

In Spanish: Shoshón para niños

• Battle of Kelley Creek
• Western Shoshone traditional narratives