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Shoshone Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Shoshone People: History, Culture, and Contemporary Presence

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The Shoshone People: History, Culture, and Contemporary Presence Study Guide

Shoshone Identity and Language

The Shoshone people refer to themselves using the endonym 'Sosoni'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Shoshone people's endonym is 'Newe,' meaning 'People.' The name 'Sosoni' is the origin of the exonym 'Shoshone' and refers to high-growing grasses.

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The Shoshone language belongs to the Uto-Aztecan language family.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Shoshone language is part of the Numic languages branch, which is a division of the larger Uto-Aztecan language family.

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Neighboring tribes and early explorers commonly called the Shoshone 'Shoshone Indians'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Neighboring tribes and early explorers often referred to the Shoshone people by the name 'Snake Indians,' not 'Shoshone Indians'.

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The name 'Shoshone' originates from a word meaning 'high-growing grasses'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The name 'Shoshone' is derived from the Shoshone word 'Sosoni,' which refers to high-growing grasses.

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The Shoshone were known as 'Grass House People' because they built their homes from stone.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Shoshone were referred to as 'Grass House People' because their traditional dwellings were constructed using a type of grass known as sosoni, not because they used stone.

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Shoshoni is classified within the Northern Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shoshoni is classified within the Central Numic branch, not the Northern Numic branch, of the Uto-Aztecan language family.

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What is the endonym used by the Shoshone people, meaning 'People'?

Answer: Newe

Explanation: The Shoshone people's endonym is 'Newe,' meaning 'People.' 'Sosoni' is the Shoshone word from which the exonym 'Shoshone' is derived and refers to high-growing grasses.

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The Shoshone language is a branch of which larger language family?

Answer: Uto-Aztecan

Explanation: The Shoshone language is part of the Numic languages branch, which itself is a division of the larger Uto-Aztecan language family.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a major cultural and linguistic division of the Shoshone people?

Answer: Southern Shoshone

Explanation: The Shoshone people are traditionally divided into four main groups: Eastern Shoshone, Northern Shoshone, Western Shoshone, and Goshute. 'Southern Shoshone' is not listed as a primary division.

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What name was commonly used by neighboring tribes and early explorers to refer to the Shoshone?

Answer: Snake Indians

Explanation: Neighboring tribes and early American explorers often referred to the Shoshone people by the name 'Snake Indians'.

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The name 'Shoshone' is derived from a Shoshone word referring to what?

Answer: High-growing grasses

Explanation: The name 'Shoshone' is derived from the Shoshone word 'Sosoni,' which refers to high-growing grasses.

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Why were some neighboring tribes referred to the Shoshone as 'Grass House People'?

Answer: Their traditional dwellings were constructed using a type of grass called sosoni.

Explanation: Some neighboring tribes referred to the Shoshone as 'Grass House People' because their traditional dwellings were constructed using a type of grass known as sosoni.

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Shoshoni is classified within which specific branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family?

Answer: Central Numic

Explanation: Shoshoni is classified within the Central Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family.

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Historical Migrations and Territorial Expansion

The Shoshone people originated in the eastern Great Basin and later expanded westward.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Shoshone people originated in the western Great Basin and expanded north and east, not westward from the eastern Great Basin.

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The Shoshone became a dominant regional power partly due to their early adoption of horses and firearms.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Shoshone achieved dominance as one of the first northern tribes to integrate horses and firearms into their way of life, enhancing their capabilities in hunting and warfare.

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The Comanche Nation evolved from a Shoshone group that migrated northward.

Answer: False

Explanation: A branch of the Shoshone migrated south as far as Texas, eventually evolving into the Comanche Nation by approximately 1700.

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After 1750, the Eastern Shoshone moved eastward due to pressure from Plains tribes.

Answer: False

Explanation: After 1750, pressure from Plains tribes and a decline in their own military advantage pushed the Eastern Shoshone south and westward, not eastward.

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The Shoshone people originated in which region before expanding north and east?

Answer: The Western Great Basin

Explanation: The Shoshone people originated in the western Great Basin and subsequently expanded north and east into what is now Idaho and Wyoming.

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What technological advantage helped the Shoshone become a dominant regional power?

Answer: Early adoption of horses and firearms

Explanation: The Shoshone achieved dominance as one of the first northern tribes to integrate horses and firearms into their way of life, enhancing their capabilities in hunting and warfare.

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Which Native American nation is historically linked to a Shoshone group that migrated south?

Answer: Comanche

Explanation: A branch of the Shoshone migrated south as far as Texas, eventually evolving into the Comanche Nation by approximately 1700.

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After 1750, what factor primarily caused the Eastern Shoshone to move westward?

Answer: Pressure from Plains tribes and a decline in their military advantage

Explanation: Following 1750, pressure from Plains tribes and a decline in their own military advantage pushed the Eastern Shoshone south and westward towards the Rocky Mountains.

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Cultural Practices and Subsistence

Shoshone religious practices are limited solely to traditional tribal ceremonies like the Sun Dance.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shoshone religious practices encompass participation in the Native American Church, traditional ceremonies such as the Sun Dance and Ghost Dance, and also include affiliations with Christianity.

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Shoshone bands were traditionally organized based on shared religious beliefs.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shoshone bands were traditionally organized based on their specific homelands and primary food sources, not solely on shared religious beliefs.

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The band name 'Guchundeka' or 'Kuccuntikka' signifies 'Salmon Eaters'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The band name Guchundeka' or Kuccuntikka signifies 'Buffalo Eaters,' not 'Salmon Eaters'.

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'Tukkutikka' or 'Tukudeka' translates to 'Mountain Sheep Eaters'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tukkutikka or Tukudeka translates to 'Mountain Sheep Eaters,' and this group was associated with both the Eastern and Northern Shoshone.

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The Agaideka band, known as 'Salmon Eaters', resided primarily in Wyoming.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Agaideka band, known as 'Salmon Eaters,' were historically located in the Snake River and Lemhi River Valley, not primarily in Wyoming.

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The 'Kammedeka' or 'Kammitikka' band were known as 'Jack Rabbit Eaters'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kammedeka or Kammitikka band were known as 'Jack Rabbit Eaters' and were associated with the regions around the Snake River and the Great Salt Lake.

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The 'Tukudeka' or 'Dukundeka'' band, meaning 'Sheep Eaters', lived in the Great Salt Desert.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Tukudeka' or 'Dukundeka'' band, meaning 'Sheep Eaters,' were traditionally located in the Sawtooth Range of Idaho, not the Great Salt Desert.

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The 'Painkwitikka' band, meaning 'Fish Eaters', resided in Cache Valley.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Painkwitikka, meaning 'Fish Eaters,' constituted a Western Shoshone band that historically resided in Cache Valley, located in present-day Idaho and Utah.

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The 'Tsaiduka' band, known as 'Tule Eaters', were historically located in Railroad Valley, Nevada.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tsaiduka band, whose name means 'Tule Eaters,' was historically situated in Railroad Valley, Nevada.

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The 'Kusiutta' or 'Goshute' band's homeland was primarily in eastern Nevada and western Utah.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kusiutta or Goshute refers to a Western Shoshone band whose traditional homeland was the Great Salt Desert and the area surrounding the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

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The 'Tipatikka' band, meaning 'Pinenut Eaters', were the southernmost band of the Western Shoshone.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Tipatikka' band, meaning 'Pinenut Eaters,' represented the northernmost band of the Western Shoshone, not the southernmost.

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Shoshone religious practices include participation in the Native American Church and traditional ceremonies, as well as affiliation with which other religion?

Answer: Christianity

Explanation: The Shoshone people's religious practices encompass participation in the Native American Church, traditional ceremonies, and also include affiliations with Christianity.

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Which Shoshone band name translates to 'Buffalo Eaters'?

Answer: Guchundeka' or Kuccuntikka

Explanation: The band name Guchundeka' or Kuccuntikka signifies 'Buffalo Eaters,' referring to a specific group within the Eastern Shoshone.

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The 'Tsaiduka' band, known as 'Tule Eaters', were historically located in which region of Nevada?

Answer: Railroad Valley

Explanation: The Tsaiduka band, whose name means 'Tule Eaters,' was historically situated in Railroad Valley, Nevada.

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Key Historical Conflicts and Relations with the U.S.

The Bear River Massacre, occurring in 1863, resulted in the largest loss of Shoshone life at the hands of U.S. forces.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bear River Massacre took place in 1863, when U.S. forces attacked and killed approximately 250 Northwestern Shoshone people, representing the largest loss of Shoshone life at the hands of U.S. forces.

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Shoshone attacks on mail routes during the Civil War caused them to be rerouted south of Wyoming.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the American Civil War, Shoshone actions led to the rerouting of the mail route originating west of Fort Laramie, south of the main trail through Wyoming.

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The Snake War (1864-1868) involved the Eastern Shoshone fighting against the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Snake War (1864-1868) involved the Northern and Western Shoshone, allied with the Bannock people, fighting against the United States.

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Chief Washakie led the Western Shoshone in negotiating treaties with the U.S. government.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chief Washakie led the Eastern Shoshone in negotiating treaties with the American government, notably at Fort Bridger in 1863 and 1868.

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The Eastern Shoshone fought alongside the U.S. Army against the Lakota and Cheyenne at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Eastern Shoshone allied with the U.S. Army against the Lakota and Cheyenne at the Battle of the Rosebud in 1876, not the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

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The Sheepeater Indian War is considered the final Indian war in the Pacific Northwest region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Sheepeater Indian War, involving a band of Eastern Shoshone known as 'Sheepeaters,' is identified as the last Indian war fought in the Pacific Northwest region.

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The Battle of Kelley Creek in 1911 was prompted by the killing of ranchers by a Bannock group.

Answer: True

Explanation: The killing of four ranchers in Washoe County, Nevada, by a Bannock group led by Mike Daggett in 1911 prompted a posse to pursue them, culminating in the Battle of Kelley Creek.

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The remains of Mike Daggett's family from the Battle of Kelley Creek were never repatriated.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the Battle of Kelley Creek, the partial remains of Mike Daggett and his family were repatriated in 1994 to the Fort Hall Idaho Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.

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In 2008, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation acquired the Bear River Massacre site for preservation.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2008, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation acquired the site of the Bear River Massacre and adjacent land to preserve this sacred ground and establish a memorial.

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The Bear River Massacre in 1863 resulted in the death of approximately how many Northwestern Shoshone people?

Answer: 250

Explanation: The Bear River Massacre took place in 1863, when U.S. forces attacked and killed approximately 250 Northwestern Shoshone people.

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During the American Civil War, Shoshone actions led to the rerouting of which important route south of Wyoming?

Answer: The mail route west of Fort Laramie

Explanation: During the American Civil War, Shoshone actions led to the rerouting of the mail route originating west of Fort Laramie, south of the main trail through Wyoming.

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Which conflict, lasting from 1864 to 1868, involved the Northern and Western Shoshone allied with the Bannock people against the United States?

Answer: The Snake War

Explanation: The Snake War, which lasted from 1864 to 1868, was a conflict where the Northern and Western Shoshone, allied with the related Bannock people, fought against the United States.

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Chief Washakie was a leader of which Shoshone group, known for his alliance with the U.S. government?

Answer: Eastern Shoshone

Explanation: Chief Washakie led the Eastern Shoshone in an alliance with the American government, successfully negotiating treaties at Fort Bridger in 1863 and 1868.

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In what year did the Eastern Shoshone fight alongside the U.S. Army against the Lakota and Cheyenne?

Answer: 1876

Explanation: The Eastern Shoshone allied with the U.S. Army against the Lakota and Cheyenne at the Battle of the Rosebud in 1876.

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Which conflict is identified as the final Indian war in the Pacific Northwest region?

Answer: The Sheepeater Indian War

Explanation: The Sheepeater Indian War, involving a band of Eastern Shoshone known as 'Sheepeaters,' is identified as the last Indian war fought in the Pacific Northwest region.

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What event in 1911 led to the Battle of Kelley Creek?

Answer: The killing of four ranchers by a Bannock group

Explanation: The killing of four ranchers in Washoe County, Nevada, by a Bannock group led by Mike Daggett in 1911 prompted a posse to pursue them, culminating in the Battle of Kelley Creek.

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The partial remains of Mike Daggett and his family were eventually repatriated to which tribe in 1994?

Answer: The Fort Hall Idaho Shoshone-Bannock Tribe

Explanation: Following the Battle of Kelley Creek, the partial remains of Mike Daggett and his family were repatriated in 1994 to the Fort Hall Idaho Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.

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In 2008, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation took action to preserve the site of which significant historical event?

Answer: The Bear River Massacre

Explanation: In 2008, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation acquired the site of the Bear River Massacre and adjacent land to preserve this sacred ground and establish a memorial.

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Demographics and Contemporary Presence

Significant Shoshone populations are found in states such as California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Answer: True

Explanation: Significant Shoshone populations are located across several U.S. states, including California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon.

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Currently, approximately 1,000 individuals speak the Shoshone language.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Shoshone language is spoken today by an estimated 1,000 people.

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The greatest numbers of Shoshoni speakers are found on the Goshute Reservation in Utah and the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The greatest numbers of Shoshoni speakers are found on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, situated on the border of Nevada and Idaho, and on the Goshute Reservation in Utah.

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Idaho State University does not offer any courses in the Shoshone language.

Answer: False

Explanation: Idaho State University provides classes in the Shoshone language.

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Jedidiah Morse estimated the total Shoshone population at 60,000 in 1820.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1820, Jedidiah Morse estimated the total Shoshone population at 60,000, with a specific count of 20,000 Eastern Shoshone.

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Alexander Ross described the Shoshone in 1855 as a minor tribe with limited influence west of the Rockies.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alexander Ross described the Shoshone in 1855 as the most powerful tribe west of the Rocky Mountains, comparable to the Sioux east of the mountains.

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The primary causes for the decline in the Shoshone population were warfare and agricultural failures.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary causes for the decline in the Shoshone population were outbreaks of infectious diseases and warfare, not agricultural failures.

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According to 1866 Indian Affairs reports, there were approximately 2,000 Shoshone in Idaho.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1866, Indian Affairs reported approximately 2,500 Shoshone in Idaho, and 3,800 Western and Northwestern Shoshone overall. The figure of 2,000 applied to Shoshone in Nevada.

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The 1910 census recorded a Shoshone population of over 12,000 individuals.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1910 census recorded a Shoshone population of 3,840 individuals, not over 12,000.

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By the year 2000, the number of individuals identifying as Shoshone had increased to approximately 12,000.

Answer: True

Explanation: By the 2000 U.S. census, the number of individuals identifying as Shoshone had risen to approximately 12,000.

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In 2020, Nevada reported the highest number of Shoshone residents, exceeding 3,600.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2020, Nevada reported 3,638 Shoshone residents, which was the highest number among U.S. states, with Wyoming reporting 3,491.

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The Duck Valley Indian Reservation is home to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Duck Valley Indian Reservation, situated on the border between southern Idaho and northern Nevada, is home to the Western Shoshone-Paiute Tribes.

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The Ely Shoshone Indian Reservation in Nevada covers over 100 acres and has 500 members.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ely Shoshone Indian Reservation in Ely, Nevada, covers 111 acres and has a membership of 500 individuals.

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The Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho is exclusively occupied by the Lemhi Shoshone.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho is shared by the Lemhi Shoshone with the Bannock Indians, not exclusively occupied by the Lemhi Shoshone.

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The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony represents Shoshone, Paiute, and Washoe bands.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony in Nevada encompasses approximately 1,988 acres and has a total of 481 members, representing Shoshone, Paiute, and Washoe bands.

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The Lemhi Indian Reservation operated in Idaho from 1875 until 1907.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Lemhi Indian Reservation, operational from 1875 to 1907 in Idaho, was the location of the Lemhi Shoshone prior to their removal to the Fort Hall Reservation.

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The Skull Valley Indian Reservation in Utah comprises approximately 18,000 acres.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Skull Valley Indian Reservation in Utah comprises 18,000 acres and is inhabited by members of the Western Shoshone people.

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The Wind River Reservation in Wyoming is jointly occupied by the Eastern Shoshone and the Crow tribe.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Wind River Reservation in Wyoming is jointly occupied by the Eastern Shoshone and the Northern Arapaho tribe, not the Crow tribe.

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Which U.S. state is NOT mentioned as having significant Shoshone populations?

Answer: Montana

Explanation: The provided data lists California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon as states with significant Shoshone populations. Montana is not mentioned.

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What is the approximate number of current Shoshone language speakers?

Answer: 1,000

Explanation: The Shoshone language is spoken today by an estimated 1,000 people.

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Where are the largest concentrations of Shoshoni language speakers found?

Answer: Duck Valley Indian Reservation and Goshute Reservation

Explanation: The greatest numbers of Shoshoni speakers are found on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and the Goshute Reservation in Utah.

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Which university offers Shoshoni-language instruction?

Answer: Idaho State University

Explanation: Idaho State University provides classes in the Shoshone language.

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According to Jedidiah Morse's 1820 estimate, how many Eastern Shoshone were there?

Answer: 60,000

Explanation: Jedidiah Morse's 1820 estimate placed the total Shoshone population at 60,000, with an additional specific count of 20,000 Eastern Shoshone. Of the options provided, 60,000 represents the total estimated population.

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Alexander Ross described the Shoshone in 1855 as the most powerful tribe west of which mountain range?

Answer: Rocky Mountains

Explanation: Alexander Ross described the Shoshone in 1855 as the most powerful tribe west of the Rocky Mountains.

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What were the two primary causes cited for the decline in the Shoshone population?

Answer: Disease outbreaks and warfare

Explanation: The Shoshone population experienced significant reductions due to outbreaks of infectious diseases and the impact of warfare.

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In 1866, Indian Affairs reported approximately how many Western and Northwestern Shoshone?

Answer: 3,800

Explanation: In 1866, Indian Affairs reported approximately 3,800 Western and Northwestern Shoshone.

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How many Shoshone individuals were recorded in the U.S. census of 1910?

Answer: 3,840

Explanation: The census conducted in 1910 recorded a total of 3,840 Shoshone individuals.

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The Wind River Reservation, covering over 2 million acres, is shared by the Eastern Shoshone with which other tribe?

Answer: Northern Arapaho

Explanation: The Wind River Reservation in Wyoming is jointly occupied by the Eastern Shoshone with the Northern Arapaho tribe.

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Notable Shoshone Individuals

Sacagawea, a Lemhi Shoshone woman, was a guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sacagawea, a Lemhi Shoshone woman, served as a crucial guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

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Ned Blackhawk is recognized as a historian and holds a professorship at Harvard University.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ned Blackhawk is recognized as a historian and holds a professorship at Yale University, not Harvard University.

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Mary Dann and Carrie Dann are mentioned as notable individuals associated with the Shoshone people.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary Dann and Carrie Dann are identified as notable individuals associated with the Shoshone people.

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Randy'L He-dow Teton is noted for his musical contributions to the band Redbone.

Answer: False

Explanation: Randy'L He-dow Teton is noted as a notable Shoshone individual, but Lolly Vegas is credited with musical contributions to the band Redbone.

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Taboo, a member of the Black Eyed Peas, has Shoshone heritage through his grandmother.

Answer: True

Explanation: Taboo, a member of the Black Eyed Peas, has Shoshone heritage through his grandmother.

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Who is Ned Blackhawk, mentioned as a notable person associated with the Shoshone?

Answer: A historian and professor at Yale University

Explanation: Ned Blackhawk is recognized as a historian and holds a professorship at Yale University.

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Which musical artist with Shoshone heritage is mentioned in the article?

Answer: Taboo

Explanation: Taboo, a member of the Black Eyed Peas, has Shoshone heritage through his grandmother.

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