Fortunately, their future is looking brighter. The Shoshone became a federally recognized Indian tribe in 1983 and got funding to renovate their homes as well as build new ones, install electricity, pave their roads, and improve their water distribution system. They still lack a steady land base, but that just might change—and you can help! The Shoshone have drafted a bill in Congress that would grant them 300 acres of land in Death Valley plus an additional 7,200 outside the park. This means they could finally build their own homes and revenue-generating tourist attractions such as restaurants and museums. If that happened, perhaps the Shoshone who moved out of the valley would return. They could rebuild their nation, just as the Navajo did! This bill has already passed through the Senate and is currently in Committee in the House of Representatives. By writing a letter to your legislator and those listed below, you could impact the lives of Shoshone and end 150 years of pain.
Ask the following to support legislation that would grant the Shoshone a land base:
Senator Daniel K. Inouye
Hart Office Building - 722
2nd and C Street, NE
Washington, DC 20510
Congressman Jerry Lewis
2112 Rayburn House Building
Independence Ave & S Capitol St. NW
Washington, DC 20515
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Hart Office Building - 331
2nd & C Street, NE
Washington, DC 20510
You have the power to change lives with the stroke of your pen! Help the Timbisha Shoshone rewrite their own history! Get involved!
Permission from The Odyssey: U.S. Trek.
