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Elko Service Unit |
The morning sun sends spectacular fingers of light into an aquamarine desert sky. An eagle
circles lazily overhead. Far off in the distance, the faint rhythmic pulse of a ceremonial
drum is carried by the soft breezes. Encircled forms, silhouetted against the retreating
darkness are set ablaze in a rainbow of vibrant colors. The festive ceremonial dancing is
about to begin. Welcome to Nevada's Indian Territory in northeastern Nevada...real people
and the real west. The exquisite mountains and Ruby Valley near Elko are home to the
Shoshone.
The Western Shoshone Indians
Before Europeans came to America, the Shoshone numbered about 60,000 and lived throughout
a large area extending from what is now southern California through Nevada into parts of
Idaho and Utah. They traveled widely during the summer to hunt and gather, but would spend
the dry winter in clan groups around various springs. In 1863, the Treaty of Ruby Valley was
signed allowing railroad, mining and timber activities. This treaty was a signal to begin
the exploitation of the region's resources. Minerals were discovered and mining began.
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Services
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• General Medical
• Dental
• Nutrition
• Public Health Nursing
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Health Education
• Environmental Health
• Social Services
• Emergency Services
• Health Information Management
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Sacagawea, a Shoshone Indian, assured the success of the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
Expedition by discovering a water passage through the unexplored northwest which was a
direct route to the Pacific ocean. Through her intervention with her brother, a
Shoshone Chief, horses were provided to assist in the trip to the ocean.
Elko
The Elko Service Unit is located in Elko, Nevada. The size of our territory is quite large, and
we service about 2,500 Indians on eight reservations and colonies. (A colony is a reservation
within an established city.) Due to the considerable distance from our other Service Unit
communities, our clinic primarily provides care to members of the Te-Moak bands of indians.
Private housing is available in Elko and offers a great selection of goods and services, as well
as excellent Basque restaurants. Much of the west remains alive in Elko today. Elko is a vital,
busy and prosperous town located between Salt Lake City and Reno. Elko county area offers an ideal
location, a prime business climate and quality of life unmatched by any other. The population is 34,000.
This part of Nevada offers over 300 days of sunshine a year with warm dry days in spring, summer, and
fall, along with crisp sunny winters. The elevation in Elko County ranges from 5,000 to 11,000
feet.
Winter recreation includes snowmobiling, heli-skiing and cross country skiing. Recreation opportunities
also include bird watching, photography, hunting, fishing, boating and nearby camping at the Ruby Lake
National Wildlife Refuge, Wild Horse State Recreation Area, South Fork State Recreation Area and the
Jarbidge Wilderness. The sportsman will find everything to like in Nevada's outdoor paradise. Fly,
lure and bait fishing are all available.
Elko Southern Bands Clinic
This clinic provides many people with essential health care. Staffed by one physician, one nurse
practitioner and one dentist, this JCAHO accredited ambulatory care clinic offers direct medical and
dental care. Contract health care services are also coordinated by referring to other hospital and
clinics in nearby towns.
This 40-hour outpatient facility primarily serves residents from the South Fork Reservation, Battle
Mountain, Elko and Wells Colonies. Monthly field clinics are provided at Battle Mountain.
Community Health Services
In isolated communities, transportation and employment are often scarce. We must reach all the people
to promote awareness of our programs. Our community health services include are public health nursing, mental health, substance
abuse and environmental health programs.
As precious natural resources slowly dwindle, it's refreshing to know a region like this still exists.
You can take pride in applying your knowledge and skills. You will be joined by people who share the
same concerns.
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Phoenix Area Indian Health Service
Two Renaissance Square • 40 North Central Avenue • Phoenix, AZ 85004-4424
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