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Wind
River Indian Reservation
The 1.7+ million-acre Wind River
Indian Reservation, established in 1864 through the Bridger-Teton Treaty with
the U.S. government, is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho
tribes. The Wind River Indian Reservation offers visitors a cultural peek into
the history of two Native American tribes who now share the beautiful wide open
spaces northwest of Lander.
Sacajawea
If you are looking to discover more about Sacajawea, the Wind River Indian
Reservation is the place to go. Near Fort Washakie you will find the grave of
Sacajawea, her nephew Bazil, and a memorial to her son Baptiste. Many believe
she returned to her Shoshone people in Fort Washakie where she died and was
buried on April 9, 1884, by the Episcopal missionary, Reverend John Roberts.
While living on the Wind River Indian Reservation Sacajawea served as a
translator for Chief Washakie in negotiations to establish the reservation and
was often seen wearing one the peace medals given out by Lewis and Clark.
Sacajawea Cemetery is located in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains
where you will find the 13,569-foot Mt. Sacajawea.
Fort Washakie
Once a U.S. military establishment frequented by members of the Eastern
Shoshone Tribe, Fort Washakie is now the headquarters of the tribe's government
and the Bureau of Indian Affairs agency. Fort Washakie is the only military
fort named for an American Indian chief. Visitors will want to visit the
Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center at 31 Black Coal Street, where you will get an
in-depth look into the history and culture of the Shoshone Tribe.
The Center, established in 1988, is housed in a National Registered Historic
Building. Featured are exhibits of tribal cultural crafts and art, along with
historical data and photographic collections. Treaty maps and agreements are
displayed. Maps for self-guided tours are free, along with information about
Chief Washakie and Sacajawea. You can contact the Shoshone Tribal Cultural
Center at 307-332-9106 or by writing to P.O. Box 1008, Fort Washakie, WY 82514.
Chief Washakie
Located approximately ½ mile from the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center, Chief
Washakie Cemetery is the final resting place of the last chief of the Shoshone
Tribe, Chief Washakie. Chief Washakie is buried in the older section of the
cemetery. A large headstone marks his grave.
In 1840, Washakie became the principal chief of the Eastern Shoshone, a role he
would fill until his death over sixty years later. Throughout his tenure he
maintained friendly relations with the U.S. government, settlers, and other
American immigrants. Washakie always placed the peace and welfare of his people
above all other concerns. In the 1870s Washakie served as a military leader of
over 150 Shoshone men serving with General Crook in the campaign to return
Sioux and Cheyenne bands to their assigned reservations. The campaign ended
with Custer's ill-fated attack at Little Big Horn in 1876, an attack which
Washakie advised against.
When he died in 1900 at an age of over 100, Washakie received a full military
funeral and burial, honoring his career in the U.S. Army.
St. Michael's
Mission/Northern Arapaho Cultural Museum
Ethete, which means "good" in the Arapaho language, is located several miles
east of Fort Washakie and is the site of St. Michael's Mission. The old
buildings were once part of an Episcopal mission. Faith Hall, the large
building toward the back on the side of the mission was the school building. In
front of Faith Hall you will find the Northern Arapaho Cultural Museum, which
houses traditional tribal artifacts.
St. Stephen's
Mission
St. Stephen's Mission, a Catholic mission, was founded in the early 1900s. The
original mission buildings still exist and Mass is still held in the old,
recently remodeled church. A gift shop and heritage center are open to the
public. The North American Indian Heritage Center offers historic photographs
of tribal members.
Pow Wows
Traditional Indian dancing, music, food and camaraderie characterize the pow
wows on the Wind River Indian Reservation and surrounding area. There is a pow
wow almost every weekend:
Links
Eastern
Shoshone Tribe
Northern
Arapaho Tribe
The 2006
Pow Wow Schedule will be available soon. Please bookmark this
page and check back.
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