Oral History

Videos of oral histories and interviews with elders are available in the GBC library.

Descriptions:

   Florence Steele and Lee Moon tell the Goshute creation story about the coyote and the duck ladies. They also share the origin of the name “Goshute.” They explain how different parts of animals were used as tool and which plants were used as food. They describe some dances and ceremonies of their Ute neighbors as well.

   Dave McKinney, born 1907, shares some memories of his childhood. He describes several different jobs he held as a young man, including ranching, building part of Mountain City Highway for the Conservation Corps, and building the dam at Wildhorse. He also explains the foot races and the hand game played at gatherings.

   Eleanor Little talks about her birth at Miller Creek and her family. She describes her say at a sanitarium during her early childhood. She shares information about plants used for medicine and Indian beliefs concerning health. She asks that people respect Indians and explains why certain terms are especially offensive.

   Andrea Woods shares stories about her grandmother, Gimma Jones. She was born in the 1850s or 1860s and sold by her grandmother at the age of 12. She told Andrea stories about her childhood, traditions, and how she earned her living.

   Ellison Jackson tells stories about his early childhood, his family members, and school. He relates the Shoshone creation story about the sun, coyote, and two rabbits. He also shares a song about a mountain near Austin.

   Earl and Beverly Crum share several songs and their meanings. They explain the use of songs at gatherings for the bear dance and hand games. Songs tell stories as well as give lessons and morals. The Crums are very concerned about preserving their language.

   Evelyn Temoke-Roché gives the origin of the name “Temoak” and shares stories about her childhood. She speaks about her grandfather, Chief Machach, and medicinal knowledge learned from her mother. She also tells the creation story of the coyote and the basket.

"We the People: Western Shoshone" episode 1

   Shayne Del Cohen and Western Shoshoni women Carrie, Mary, Alyce, and Lois discuss the Ruby Valley Treaty and the actions of the government concerning Shoshoni people and their rights regarding their lands. They explain that in the Treaty of Ruby Valley, no land was ever ceded. They treaty is a living document which allows non-Indians to pass through Shoshoni lands and to establish ranches and mines along travel routes. The government is now trying to buy the land from the Shoshoni, but they do not wish to sell it. They talk about the impact that nuclear waste has on the earth and the need to protect their land.

"We the People: Western Shoshone" episode 2

   Western Shoshoni women Carrie, Mary, Alyce, and Lois explain why money will never be sufficient compensation for the loss of their land. They are trying to protect and preserve their ancestral land for future generations, explaining that to take care of the land, people must take only what they need to survive. They believe that humans should never create things powerful enough to destroy the world. They fear that because nuclear waste will be stored in the lands of the Shoshoni, the lives of their people are in danger.

"We the People: Shoshone Protection of Mother Earth"

   Shayne Del Cohen speaks with Larson Bill, Helen Dave, and Christopher Sewall about protecting the earth. They describe the Treaty of Ruby Valley and the disregard for it today. Helen and Larson tell us that the earth provides for us, and if we do not take care of it, one day the resources will be gone. Helen is deeply saddened by Shoshoni who would rather take monetary compensation offered by the government than carry on the fight of their ancestors for the ownership of their land. Larson worries that the earth will become so damaged it will not be able to repair itself.

"Welcome to Nevada Indian Country"

   Presented by: Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Norm Cavanaugh discusses concerns and special issues of community members about health care. He explains the different needs of Native Americans living in rural Nevada and their changing views regarding health care and health care providers in recent years.

"Rabbit Boss"

   Presented by: University of Nevada Reno Oral History Program The annual rabbit hunts that take place in the Fall are described by Rabbit Boss Marvin Dressler and others. The rabbits are an important supplement to the diets of Nevada Indians even today, and the skins were once used to make blankets. Today, the loss of hunting grounds and knowledge threaten the continuation of the tradtional rabbit hunts.

"We The People: Storytelling as Journalism"

   Presented by: Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada Shayne Del Cohen and Mark Trahant discuss the role of journalism in the coming years. Trahant suggests that there is wisdom in traditional Native American stories relevant to problems we all face today. He also asserts that it is a journalist's duty to represent every voice fairly, tell a captivating story, and give facts as well as the big picture regarding an issue.

"Tribal Archives"

   Presented by: Office of Museum Programs of the Smithsonian Institution
This video explains archives, what their importance is, and how to archive. Archives may include art, photographs, documents, videos, and audio recordings. These records can show family relationships, cultural information, government policies, and more.

"Tah Gum: The Washoe Pine-nut Harvest"

   Presented by: University of Nevada Reno Oral History Program
This video explains the importance of the pine-nut harvest in the past and today. It describes ceremonies associated with the harvest, tools used to collect and prepare pine-nuts, and some traditional foods prepared for the harvest season. The pine-nut harvest is essential to the continuation and preservation of cultural knowledge.