Northern Paiute

The Northern Paiute, also known as Paviotso, are a group of Native American peoples who traditionally inhabited parts of eastern California, western Nevada, and eastern Oregon. They speak a language belonging to the Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan family.12

Historically, the Northern Paiute were hunter-gatherers, subsisting on seeds, pine nuts, and small game. They lived in temporary brush shelters and created baskets for food gathering and cooking. After 1840, increased settlement by prospectors and farmers disrupted their environment and food sources, leading to conflicts with trespassers until the U.S. government appropriated their lands by 1874.1

The Northern Paiute are also known for their spiritual leadership, with prophets like Wodziwob and Wovoka originating from this group. Wovoka's teachings formed the basis of the Ghost Dance movement in 1890, which emphasized peace and renewal.3