The Moapa Band of Paiutes

The Moapa Band of Paiute Indians resides on the Moapa River Reservation. We are a recognized Indian tribe organized under a Constitution approved by the Secretary of the Interior on April 17, 1942.

The tribal lands set aside in 1874 consisted of two million acres, but in 1876 it was reduced to a thousand acres. In December 1980, an additional 70,000 acres were provided under the Carter Administration. The current total land base is 71,954 acres.

The tribe’s primary business enterprise centers on the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza, which includes a casino, convenience store, cafe, gas station, and firework store with the largest and most comprehensive selection of fireworks in the West.

The Tribal Council governs the tribe.

Additionally, we provide all Nevada forms and templates tailored to suit the requirements of individuals and businesses, guaranteeing compliance with specific legal regulations.

Business Formation and Operations

A Nevada articles of incorporation template is used to establish a corporation. This document outlines the corporation's primary details, including its name, purpose, registered agent, and the number and type of authorized shares. It's the foundational legal requirement for creating a corporate entity under Nevada law.

Real Estate and Property Transactions

A Nevada lease agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which a tenant agrees to rent property from a landlord. It specifies the duration, rent amount, security deposit, and both parties' obligations, essential for a clear rental arrangement.

The quitclaim deed in Nevada is often used to transfer property rights quickly and without warranties between parties who know each other well, such as family members or spouses, after a divorce. It's effective for changing ownership but does not guarantee a clear title.

For transferring real estate upon an owner's death without probate, the Nevada transfer on death deed allows property owners to designate a beneficiary to automatically receive their real property. This tool is invaluable for estate planning.

Vehicle and Equipment Sales

The Nevada vehicle bill of sale is a document that records the specifics of a vehicle transaction, including the make, model, year, VIN, and the agreed-upon sale price. It is essential for the legal transfer and registration of ownership.

Similarly, the Nevada trailer bill of sale captures the transaction details for trailers, providing a record of the sale that includes descriptions such as type, size, and identification number necessary for legal registration and transfer in Nevada.

When transferring ownership of firearms, a firearm bill of sale in Nevada documents the details of the transaction. This includes information about the firearm and the buyer and seller, which is important for maintaining records under state laws.

Estate Planning and Health Directives

A last will and testament in Nevada allows individuals to specify how they wish their property and assets to be distributed after their death. This document also appoints an executor to manage the estate and ensure the deceased's final wishes are honored.

The living will in Nevada provides directives regarding medical treatments an individual wishes to accept or refuse if they are no longer able to express informed consent. This document is crucial for end-of-life planning.

Legal Authorities and Notices

A power of attorney in Nevada grants someone the authority to act on another's behalf in legal or financial matters. Depending on the principal's requirements, this can be tailored to specific needs or cover a broad range of actions.

The durable power of attorney in Nevada continues the authority of the designated agent even if the principal becomes incapacitated. This is crucial for maintaining the principal's affairs under all circumstances.

In healthcare matters, a medical power of attorney in Nevada designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the principal if they become unable to do so themselves, ensuring that medical care aligns with the individual's preferences.

An eviction notice in Nevada is used by landlords to inform tenants that they must either rectify a breach of the rental agreement or vacate the property. This document specifies the nature of the breach and provides a clear timeline for compliance or eviction, initiating the legal process for eviction if necessary.

History

The Moapa people strive to preserve our legends, songs, and dances. However, cultural disruption during the past two centuries has threatened the continuation of traditional life.

Before the 1800s, the Moapa People were culturally well-adapted people who combined farming with hunting and gathering. They used the resources of the land with great ingenuity.

Most of the domestic objects of our ancestors were various forms of intricately designed basketry, including water jars, winnowing and drying trays, cradleboards, cooking baskets, and seed beaters. They had great skill in the use of animal skins and plants. Their knowledge of the nutritional and medicinal uses of plants was extensive.

The history of Moapa following white contact, dating from the 1830 opening of the Old Spanish Trail, is a tragedy. A peaceful people saw their land and water seized and their homes frequently raided by slavers. Conflicts erupted with Mormon settlers, New Mexicans, and other emigrants.

Our numbers diminished rapidly as new diseases were contracted, especially tuberculosis and measles. Federal troops and white settlers brutally punished insurrection and raiding for survival.

Although armed with bows and arrows, defiance did not stop the intrusion of whites into Moapa. The People were forced to flee into the desert, and farming was disrupted.

In 1873, 39,000 square miles were set aside for tribal lands by the federal government. In 1875, though, the reservation was reduced to a meager 1,000 acres, followed by 60 years of neglect and corruption by white agents.

In 1941 a Constitution and bylaws were created, and the Business Council was established as a governing body for the tribe.

An attempt to revive farming in 1941 failed due to water problems and a lack of equipment and money. Discouraged, the tribe agreed to lease the farmland to a dairy company. Beginning with a claim filed in 1951 for compensation of tribal land confiscated in the 1860s, the Indian Claims Commission granted a judgment establishing a perpetual capital fund for improvements and economic development. Subsequently, in 1968 the tribe refused to renew leases to non-members.

Location

Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza includes a casino, convenience store, cafe, gas station, and firework store with the largest and most comprehensive selection of fireworks in the West.

Visit the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza, exit 75 on Interstate 15, just 30 miles north of the Las Vegas Valley.

The Moapa Reservation is located about eight miles west of Glendale, junction of State Route 168 and I-15, near the Valley of Fire State Park.

The Land

Moapa Valley is the prehistoric flood plain of the Muddy River, which flows through the valley and drains into Lake Mead. The region surrounding the reservation is famous for its sandstone rock formations. Nearby Valley of Fire is a sacred area.

Events

Yucca Mountain Awareness Night

The Moapa Band of Paiutes held a “Yucca Mountain Awareness Night” event for tribal members on Friday, Aug. 22. Clark County’s Nuclear Waste Program, Public Information Officer Erik Muller, presented an overview of the current status of the Yucca Mountain Program. Cultural Committee Chair Deanna Domingo presented the Cultural Committee's accomplishments and outreach activities related to the Yucca Mountain Project. A tribal dance troupe, under the direction of Lonita Bushhead, performed for the group. Other Cultural Committee members were Karen Benn, Roger Levi, Lalovi Miller, and Eunice Ohte.

The “Indian Perspectives on Yucca Mountain” video was shown to the audience. Clark County produced this video in cooperation with the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe and the Moapa Band of Paiutes to express the views of our people on Yucca Mountain issues. It has been broadcast extensively on Las Vegas cable channel 4, at many public meetings, conferences, and presentations, as well as several national audiences and federal agencies.