In 1976, the Timbisha Shoshone submitted two petitions for federal recognition as a tribe under terms of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This began a change for the better. On January 12, 1983, the Timbisha Shosone were officially recognized as a tribe. Other tribes, like the Pahrump Paiute tribe and Kawaiisu, are still seeking recognition.
On November 1, 2000 the Timbisha Shoshone Homeland Act was signed. More than 7,700 acres of land in California and Nevada were transferred to the tribe giving the Timbisha Shoshone permanent land within their original homeland–quite different than other reservation lands within the Untied States.
The Timbisha Shoshone and Southern Paiute also lived in the Ash Meadows area. These lands provided all the necessities they needed to survive. Being the first to settle in Ash Meadows around spring pools, these native peoples lived off the land by cultivating mesquite bean pods and other crops. They also traveled to the mountains to hunt, gather pinon pine nuts, and exchange news with friends and relatives. Their connection to the land remains strong today, and we are grateful that these stories can be shared with visitors.