Written by Janet Flynn, A.W. Baldwin, contributor.
Edited and updated by Shannon D. Smith in partnership with WyoHistory.org.
Tribal Government: Wind River Reservation offers an accessible and up-to-date introduction to the history and structure of governance on the Wind River Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. First published in the 1990s and long relied upon by teachers, students, and community members, this new 2025 edition has been fully revised to reflect major developments over the past three decades.
Blending historical narrative with clear explanations of modern tribal councils, courts, land issues, and sovereignty, the book also includes new material on the shared reservation history of the two tribes and a comprehensive chapter on Indian gaming. Developed in partnership with WyoHistory.org, it serves as an essential guide for understanding how tribal government works in Wyoming today—and why it matters to the entire state.
Contents:
Foreword
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Note from Editor
1 EARLY GOVERNMENT AND TRIBAL HISTORY
2 TWO NATIONS, ONE RESERVATION
3 A NEW WAY OF LIFE: THE INFLUENCE OF THE WHITE MAN
4 WIND RIVER: THE EARLY DAYS OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL
5 MODERN TRIBAL GOVERNMENT
6 INDIAN GAMING
Appendix
Book Information
Paperback, 170 pages, 5.25×8.5, 18 images
ISBN: 979-8-9939600-0-5
LCCN: 2026932484
$19.50
Subjects: Native American History, Indigenous Governance & Sovereignty
Reviews
“I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the governments of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes.”
— Roy B. Brown, Former Northern Arapaho Tribal Chairman and Educator
“This is the book we educators have been waiting for. It explains the unique factors that shaped the tribal government on the Wind River Reservation and provides practical information about its operation today.”
—Chico Her Many Horses, Longtime Educator and Coach and Native Dancer
“This book is the best I’ve seen for informing people about the history and structure of the tribal government of the Wind River Reservation.”
—John Washakie, Past Eastern Shoshone Tribal Chairman and Author