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BATTLE MOUNTAIN BAND COMMUNITY
An entity of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone
Location: Off Interstate 80, Battle Mountain, Lander County, Nevada
Establishing authority: Executive Order June 17, 1917 to set aside 677.05 acres.
The 90th Congress added 6.25 acres on August 21, 1967 under Public Law 90-72 (81 Stat. 173).
Land Base: There are 683.30 acres of Tribal Land.
Basis of Sovereignty: The Band Council was organized as part of the corporate charter and under the constitution and by-laws of the Te-Moak Bands of Western Shoshone, August 24, 1938 by authority of the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934 (49 Stat. 984) as amended.
Tribal Members: 516
Residential population: 165
Governing Body: The Battle Mountain Band Council is composed of 7 members who serve a 3 year term of office.
Battle Mountain Band Council Programs: The Battle Mountain Band Council offers a variety of programs and services. These include: Band Council Administration, Alcohol & Drug Program, Child Care & Development Fund Tutoring Program, Education, Environmental Protection, Health Clinic, Library, Social Services, and Taxation Department.
Tribal Business/Enterprises: Convenience Store-Smoke Shop-Gas Station
History and Culture: The Battle Mountain Band is one of four separate communities that comprise the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone. The Battle Mountain region was the boundary area between the Newe (the ancestors of the Shoshone) and the Northern Paiutes; it was known to the Newe as "Tonomudza." Several Newe bands lived in the area, which was a focal point for rabbit and antelope drives. An influx of whites soon claimed the fertile regions along the Humboldt and its tributaries.
The 1870's saw the coming of the Central Pacific Railroad and thus the town of Battle Mountain was founded. After the 1880's the Newe continued to live on the outskirts of the town, and some found work at the ranches. In 1917, the Band received official recognition for their lands. In the 1930's the Band began building residential homes and a community development with the purchase and renovation of houses from the Getchell Mine near Winnemucca. In addition, the Community Building was renovated and a playground, park, and picnic grounds were added.
[This information has been reprinted with permission from the Nevada Indian Commission, with history and culture provided by the Battle Mountain Band website. Emendations were made by Bernice Lalo, Environmental Protection Coordinator, Battle Mountain of Western Shoshone.]
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