Thursday, March 10, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

NEVADA HISTORY: Paiute's bronze joins hall

Nevadans pay tribute to Winnemucca at Capitol

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., left, greets Louise Tannheimer, 86, and her husband, Francis, in front of a statue of Sarah Winnemucca at a ceremony Wednesday in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Louise Tannheimer is the great-grandniece of Winnemucca. Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sculptor Benjamin Victor stands next to his statue of Sarah Winnemucca at an unveiling ceremony Wednesday in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- A bronze likeness of Sarah Winnemucca was unveiled beneath the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday as Nevadans honored the 19th-century Northern Paiute activist.

The 6-foot statue of the native Nevadan became the newest addition to National Statuary Hall, alongside sculptures of presidents, generals and other noteworthy Americans.

Members of Nevada's American Indian community, including some of Winnemucca's descendants, applauded as Gov. Kenny Guinn, the state's legislators and House and Senate leaders paid tribute to the educator and author.

"She was a powerful voice for unity in America and now is a face in the U.S. Capitol," said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the House Democratic leader.

Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign, Nevada first lady Dema Guinn and sculptor Benjamin Victor pulled on velvet cords to dislodge the curtain covering Winnemucca. The fabric got caught, and Victor climbed and completed the unveiling to a standing ovation.

"It's been a long road," said Dema Guinn, who led fund raising for the sculpture. "For what she has done, she is the first lady of Nevada."

Winnemucca lived from 1844 to 1891. She lobbied for the rights of American Indians forced onto reservations and tried to make peace with the white settlers who moved into Nevada.

She was the first American Indian woman to write a book in English, and she opened a school for Paiute children in Lovelock.

"She was one of the first individuals to navigate the cultures of Native Americans and whites -- adept enough to hold an audience with the President of the United States (Rutherford B. Hayes) and return to her roots to teach Paiute children," Reid said.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee and House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois also delivered tributes.

In the audience of close to 300 people were Nevada notables including Reps. Jon Porter and Shelley Berkley, former Sen. Paul Laxalt, former Rep. Barbara Vucanovich, Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald and Bruce James, chief of the Government Accounting Office.

On a stage shared by Republican and Democrats, Ensign said Winnemucca chose a tough path, attempting to mediate between whites and American Indians.

"It is clear bringing opposing parties together for harmony is one of the most difficult tasks in the world," Ensign said. "Each generation there is someone who steps up to the table to make peace. Sarah Winnemucca was one such person."

The statue's sculptor is Victor, 26, a South Dakotan who began working on piece early last year. The unveiling was "the pinnacle of the whole thing," he said.

"It's phenomenal what he has done for a kid his age," Gov. Guinn said. "He captured the essence of Sarah Winnemucca."

The statue depicts Winnemucca holding a shell flower and a book. The shell flower represents her name in Paiute: "Thocmetony." The book represents the one she wrote, titled "Life among the Paiutes: Their Wrongs and Claims," Victor said.

The project was made possible by members from the Nevada Women's History project and the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said the ceremony was a tribute to Nevada tribes too.

"We're here today not just to mention Sarah Winnemucca but to mention the cultural history of the great nation of Paiutes," Gibbons said.

Members from the Northern Paiute and Shoshone tribes dotted the audience, some clad in traditional dress.

Mike Kane, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute tribe, said his great-grandfather was Winnemucca's cousin.

"We're proud the state of Nevada recognizes Sarah as a figure in its history," Kane said. "She did a lot for the Indian people."

Hugh Stevens and Darla Lozano, Shoshone Indians from Nevada, said they came in support and respect of their Paiute neighbors.

"Not all of us are gaming tribes. We're still struggling," Stevens said. "Seeing this made my heart feel good."

Stevens and Lozano said the subjects Winnemucca spoke out about are relevant to all American Indians past and present.

"Native Americans still need to be heard," Lozano said.

Reid said Winnemucca died believing she was a failure because of broken promises the government made to her people.

"I think if she could see us today, she might change her mind," Reid said. "Her image in the Capitol is proof her story remains very much alive."

Louise Tannheimer, the 86-year-old great-grandniece of Winnemucca, was dressed in a Paiute buckskin dress with a blue beaded necklace.

If Winnemucca were alive to see the ceremony, "she would have said, `Well, I did make it,' " Tannheimer said.