Shoshone

Who are the Shoshone?

The Shoshone, or Newe, are an Indigenous people of the western United States. They are made up of several large divisions and many bands, each with their own homelands and food traditions. Their unity comes from shared language, kinship, and history. The Shoshone have a deep connection to their land, which stretches from the Great Basin to the Rocky Mountains. Today, they are members of federally recognized tribes and continue to maintain their cultural identity.

Where do the Shoshone live?

The Shoshone homeland covers a vast area of the western United States, including Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, and California. Their lands include mountains, valleys, rivers, and deserts. Many Shoshone live on reservations such as Wind River in Wyoming, Fort Hall in Idaho, and Duck Valley on the Idaho-Nevada border. The landscape has shaped their ways of life, from hunting and fishing to farming and gathering wild plants.

What language do the Shoshone speak?

The Shoshoni language belongs to the Central Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan family. Today, about 1,000 people speak Shoshoni, with speakers mainly on the Duck Valley and Goshute Reservations. Efforts to teach and revitalize the language include classes at Idaho State University. English is also widely spoken among the Shoshone.

How do the Shoshone live?

Traditionally, Shoshone bands made their living by hunting, fishing, gathering wild plants, and some farming. Their diet depended on their region, with some groups known as Buffalo Eaters, Salmon Eaters, or Sheep Eaters. They built homes from local materials, such as grass houses in the Great Basin. Today, many Shoshone also work in towns and on reservations, combining traditional skills with wage labor.

How is Shoshone society organised?

Shoshone society is organized into bands, often named for their main food source or region. Family and kinship ties are important, and leadership was traditionally based on skill and respect rather than strict hierarchy. Decisions were often made by consensus among elders and leaders. Marriage and social ties linked different bands, helping them adapt to changing times.

What do the Shoshone believe?

The Shoshone have a rich spiritual life, including traditional tribal religions, the Sun Dance, and the Native American Church. Rituals, music, and dance play a central role in community life. Some Shoshone also practice Christianity. Art and dress vary by band, but often include beadwork and items made from natural materials.

The history of the Shoshone

The Shoshone originated in the western Great Basin and spread into Idaho and Wyoming. By 1500, some had moved onto the Plains, becoming skilled horse riders and hunters. They faced pressure from other tribes and settlers, leading to wars and loss of land. The Bear River Massacre in 1863 was a major tragedy, with hundreds killed by US forces. Over time, many Shoshone were moved to reservations. Despite hardship, they have maintained their identity and traditions.

Shoshone life today

Today, about 17,900 people identify as Shoshone in the United States. They live mainly in Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, and California, often on reservations. The Shoshone are active in cultural preservation, language revitalization, and economic development. They continue to face challenges but work to protect their land, rights, and heritage.

Questions people ask about the Shoshone

Sources and further reading

• Shoshone on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Shoshone themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.