My great-great-grandmother often recounted stories of her experiences following the herds of animals and living wild and free before reservations were established. The Yellowstone River runs through this valley, which was once bountiful with wild medicine for both the body and spirit. Today, this land remains rich in history and beauty that touches the soul.

An older bison is leaving the herd after rut season, showing signs of age. As a descendant of the Shoshone people, I see the connection between the bison and my ancestors who relied on these animals for survival. Like the bison, my Shoshone ancestors persevered and survived.

My grandfather's old truck served as a reliable mode of transportation for ranching and hauling horses to rodeos throughout the American West. This working ranch, located on the South Fork Reservation of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, still operates to this day.

In Yellowstone National Park, the bison bulls are notorious for fiercely guarding their harems. This land holds great significance to my Shoshone tribe, as well as several others. Our Shoshone ancestors have always been in harmony with these magnificent creatures, and this tradition continues today as we strive to protect and honor them.

During rut season, bison engage in dust bathing, a unique behavior witnessed on the historic land my Shoshone Ancestors. Due to the long relationship with the bison, many Shoshone people today continue to honor this sacred animal by protecting and preserving bison populations in the area.

These wild mustangs happened to be up in a canyon, on the land where my grandparents grew up, but is now deserted. As the wild mustangs approached me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of deep connection to these majestic creatures. They were a symbol of the land that my ancestors had lived on for centuries, and seeing them run free was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of my Te-Moak Tribe. The wild mustangs had reminded me of the importance of staying connected to our roots, and of the deep spiritual connection that exists between all living things.

The mustangs pictured here were captured in Southeastern Oregon and have been together since their rounding up. As they are accustomed to being with their herds, these two mustangs have formed an unbreakable bond.

This sits on the remains of the Ruby Valley Pony Express Station in Elko, NV.
This building served as a crucial stop for the Pony Express from April 1860 to October 1861. Both before and after that period, it was also used as a stagecoach stop. Fun fact: the original Ruby Valley Pony Express station was situated at Station Spring, located at the southern tip of Ruby Valley.

Nevada is a state that is full of natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. The state is well-known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, which are truly a sight to behold. Water Canyon, located just outside of Winnemucca, NV offers incredible views of the Eugene Mountain Range.

For as long as I can recall, the ranch has been an essential part of our family and holds a special place in our hearts. It's more than a plot of land or a business – it represents a way of life. We are proud to be located on the South Fork Reservation of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, and the ranch symbolizes our heritage, culture, and traditions. Our hope is to pass it down to future generations and preserve the legacy started by our ancestors long ago.