In the Washoe language, "Washoe" means "the people from here." But who are the Washoe people? Many residents and visitors of Lake Tahoe know little about the original stewards of this land, and even less about their continued presence and cultural legacy. A quick online search often yields brief, past-tense descriptions and faded black-and-white photographs—leaving the question unanswered: Where are the Washoe today?

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This project, a collaboration between the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and the Museum of Tahoe, seeks to bring contemporary Washoe voices to the forefront through interviews and portraiture. Our mission is to challenge outdated narratives, offering the broader Tahoe community a deeper understanding of the Washoe people's enduring relationship with their ancestral lands.

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More than just a historical reflection, this project highlights the Washoe’s ongoing stewardship of Tahoe’s environment and the lasting effects of colonialism—both past and present. By documenting these stories, we aim to create a lasting archive that fosters recognition, respect, and a renewed commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and lived experiences of the Washoe people for generations to come.