The Washoe have inhabited Nevada’s Great Basin since the beginning of time. The Washoe language is a language isolate. The Washoe word for “the lake” is DáɁaw.

When the snows melted in spring, the Washoe gathered at Lake Tahoe’s edge (DáɁawɁágaɁ), where they recognized the water and themselves, a tradition continuing today.

One of their most significant cultural and spiritual sites for the Washoe is Cave Rock, known as De’ Ɂek wádapuš (rock standing gray), on the southwestern shore. Climbing at this site is discouraged by the Washoe Tribe. We kindly ask for your understanding and respect for this request.

The Washoe continue to hold traditional celebrations such as the annual Waší·šiw ɁitdéɁ (Indigenous Culture and Arts Festival) and are teaching their youth to speak their native language.

Meeks Bay Resort
Once a gathering place on ancestral Washoe land, Meeks Bay at Lake Tahoe welcomes each guest as a friend. Comfortable lakefront lodging and modern campsites are available. Guests are invited to sunbathe on Tahoe’s finest white sand beach, fish for mackinaw trout or take advantage of numerous hiking and biking trails. The Visitor Center has a snack bar, convenience store and gift shop. It is also the perfect trailhead for entering Desolation Wilderness, Sugar Pine Point State Park, and other areas related to Meeks Bay Meadow. For more information, visit www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10220612.

Waší·šiw ɁitdéɁ
(Indigenous Culture and Arts Festival) is held along the shorelines of Lake Tahoe each summer. The festival began as an opportunity to promote the basketry of the Washoe Tribe and showcase their beautiful fancy basketry. It has since continued to grow and now features basketry demonstrations, music, fine art, photography, dance performances and storytelling. For more information, visit washoetribe.us.

Waší·šiw (Washoe People)
DáɁawɁágaɁ (Lake Tahoe Shoreline) Tour

Guiding Principles:

The branding motto, The DáɁaw Pledge:

1. Destination planning and marketing authentic indigenous tourism and sustainable eco-cultural tourism
2. Awareness of Waši·šiw Culture while improving quality of life and respecting cultural identity
3. Acknowledge stewardship of the earth and ground, and protect the biodiversity of the Great Basin and California Sierra
4. Wellness and transformative experiences through responsible and inclusive tourism (healthy land and healthy people)