Larson R. Bill and Julie Cavanaugh-Bill, South Fork, Nevada: an interview by Samantha Senda-Cook, August 19, 2009

Transcript (34 pages) of interview by Samantha Senda-Cook with Larson R. Bill and Julie Cavanaugh-Bill on August 19, 2009

Larson Bill (b. 1948) is a Western Shoshone who was born in Ely, Nevada. He discusses his background, upbringing, and general relationship to nuclear issues. Nuclear issues are something that has always been in the background of his life because of how they had affected Western Shoshone People. He discusses how the nuclear testing and nuclear waste controversies have come up in relation to his roles in tribal government and in the Western Shoshone Defense Project. Larson discusses various aspects of the controversies over nuclear waste and nuclear testing on Western Shoshone land including the disproportionate effects on indigenous populations, who is responsible for nuclear waste, and how perceptions of the desert contribute to the placement of nuclear testing and nuclear waste in Nevada. He concludes by contrasting Western Shoshone spiritual beliefs with other religious beliefs, noting the uniqueness of land-based spirituality among Native Americans. Julie Cavanaugh-Bill (b. 1967) describes her Iowa background, role models, and her involvement with Native American and nuclear issues. She talks about her interest in human rights, her education, and her experience as a lawyer before moving to Nevada to work full-time with the Western Shoshone Defense Project, which led her to act as a spokeswoman on nuclear issues at times. Part of the Nuclear Technology Project. Interviewer: Samantha Senda-Cook