Today, the Washoe people are making sure that their language and culture are passed down to today’s youth. Here are a few Lake Tahoe words in the Washoe language.
Da’awaga (the edge of the lake)
Dala’ak (mountain, Mt. Tallac)
Dawgashashiw wata (clear creek, also called Taylor Creek)
Diyeyelu (grinding rock creek, also called Burke Creek, Rabe Meadow area)
Dawdi’ishasha (in the trees, forest)
The Washoe people care for Lake Tahoe (called dá aw in Washoe, pronounced dah-aw). They are known for beautiful basket-making and warm rabbit skin blankets. They were also the original scientists of this land. The Washoe people cared for the water, animals and plants, helping everything stay in balance for many generations
This page was created in collaboration with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Culture/Language Resources Department.