Preserving the environment and all its fruits for future generations
Like the Paiutes, the Western Shoshone are grounded in the land and their bands are named for the type of food that traditionally was their predominant source of sustenance. In Ruby Valley, Nevada, the Shoshones are called the Mahaguadüka (Mentzelia seed eaters) or the Watatikka (ryegrass seed eaters) and in Railroad Valley they are known as the Tsaiduka (tule eaters).
The Western Shoshone live in colonies and reservations throughout the state including Battle Mountain, Elko, Wells, Fallon and on the Duckwater Indian Reservation. They are keenly aware of the importance of preserving the environment and all its fruits for future generations. For their efforts in restoring critical habitat of the Railroad Valley springfish and reintroducing this endangered fish, the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe earned the 2010 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Program Recovery Champion Award.
Click here for the NEWE (Western Shoshone) Tour
Signature Events
Elko Te-Moak Powwow
The Elko Te-Moak Powwow is held in October by the Te-Moak Bands of Western Shoshone. This event features American Indian drumming, singing, dancing, arts, crafts and games. Hundreds of Indians in colorful regalia dance in the streets of downtown Elko on the first day of this three-day celebration. In addition to open dances, contest dances for a particular style and age group are held and the top winners receive prizes. To compete in a contest, the dancer must be in an outfit appropriate for the competition.
Spring Festival, Duckwater
Each June, the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe holds their “Spring Festival.” This event includes a barbecue, powwow, hand games, gambling, horseshoe tournaments and more. The powwow is a great opportunity for the tribe and visitors to get together to join in dancing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. This is a time to remember and share the old ways and preserve a rich heritage. Through the songs and the spirit of the drum, ancestral values are communicated along with cultural integrity and solidarity.
Places of special interest
Jarbidge Wilderness, Ruby Mountains, Great Basin National Park, Death Valley National Park
This vast country offer majestic beauty, endless star gazing, abundant wildlife, and the rich culture of the Newe People. Experience authentic eco-cultural tourism in Newe indigenous lands.
Guiding Principles:
The branding motto, The NEWE Pledge:
- Native American destination planning and marketing authentic indigenous tourism and sustainable eco-cultural tourism
- Experiences and meaningful opportunities to be stewards of “Mother Earth” and protect the Great Basin biodiversity
- Wellness and transformative experiences through responsible and inclusive indigenous tourism (healthy land & healthy people)
- Experiencing Newe cultural awareness while improving quality of life and cultural identity
Was-sup (Shoshone language)
Desert Bighorn Sheep
Was-sup is the sacred protector of the Great Basin majestic mountains. The horn of Was-sup is used to make bows to spiritually connect the Great Basin tribes to the protector of the Great Basin majestic mountains and “Mother Earth.” The eyes and hoofs of Was-sup carve ancient trails which provides wisdom for navigating to mountain spring water, food, spiritual sites and petroglyphs that tell the spiritual stories of the Great Basin tribes. Was-sup’s knowledge of these ancient trails will be the spiritual journey and eco-cultural tourism of the Newe tour.
