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Show Las Vegas 127 claims settlement to relocate the Nuwuvi.23 The Nuwuvi instead decided to take the situation into their own hands by organizing a binding government. They drew up a proposed government with a constitution and by-laws. The plan was approved by the Secretary of Interior in 1970. The government consists of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and four board members.24 The primary conflict in recent years at the colony has been over providing government-built housing similar to that provided at Moapa. Part of the problem revolves around the rights of the Chemehuevis at Las Vegas. They have lived alongside the other Nuwuvi for as long as most remember, but they are accused of belonging at Parker and Chemehuevi Valley, Arizona, with the Chemehuevis who live there. While trying to modernize their colony, the Las Vegas Nuwuvi have also tried to preserve their traditions. Near Las Vegas toward Sunrise Mountain is a place which is very sacred to all of the Nuwuvi. It is called Music Cave, and it is there that Nuwuvi doctors and storytellers go to learn from Shinau-av all those things they need to know. The cave has been destroyed by non-Indians, but its importance in Nuwuvi tradition has not been lost. It is Big and black inside, where the one to receive information must go alone, seeing nothing-no light of any kind to guide him. He must find his way in the dark and make his bed and sleep. As he slept Shinau-av would visit him and tell the things he wanted his people to know; what medicine to make to cure different ailments, and where to find the herbs to make the medicine. Shinau-av would tell him all about the tribal stories and beliefs. As he slept he would hear music, the tunes and songs of the Pah-Ute Tribe which he must carry back to his people.25 |