Chapter 16

A House Divided

The escalating conflict in Malad Valley, spearheaded by Pocatello's fierce resistance, has brought the Shoshone Bannock tribes to a critical juncture. This chapter delves into the internal divisions that exist within the indigenous population, revealing that their response to the trappers is not monolithic. While some, like Pocatello, advocate for the complete expulsion of the newcomers through force, others begin to seek alternative paths, exploring the possibility of coexistence, negotiation, or at least a less destructive form of engagement. This division within the Shoshone Bannock is a crucial element in understanding the complex dynamics of the era. It highlights that indigenous communities were not uniform entities but comprised individuals and groups with differing perspectives, strategies, and priorities in the face of external pressures. This internal debate is likely fueled by a variety of factors: the varying impacts of the trappers' presence on different bands, differing spiritual beliefs, the influence of wise elders like Washakie, and the sheer exhaustion from prolonged conflict. Some Shoshone Bannock may have suffered greater losses due to the trappers' activities or the resulting skirmishes, making them more inclined towards aggressive resistance. Others, perhaps those living in areas less directly impacted or those who have had more positive, albeit limited, interactions with certain trappers, might see value in maintaining a degree of communication or trade. The chapter will explore these differing viewpoints through key Shoshone Bannock characters. Pocatello will represent the unwavering hardline stance, his arguments rooted in the defense of ancestral rights and the rejection of all foreign intrusion. Conversely, individuals or factions influenced by Washakie’s wisdom might advocate for a more strategic approach, one that prioritizes the long-term survival and cultural integrity of their people, even if it means engaging with the newcomers on their own terms. This could involve seeking boundaries, establishing regulated trade, or aiming to minimize conflict through diplomacy rather than constant warfare. The chapter will depict council meetings or discussions where these differing opinions are voiced, showcasing the debates and disagreements that arise. The presence of Douglas McKenzie and his trappers at Fort Stuart acts as a catalyst for these internal discussions. Their continued, and perhaps even growing, presence forces the Shoshone Bannock to confront the reality of their situation and to decide on a collective, or perhaps fragmented, response. The chapter will not necessarily offer a clear resolution to this internal division, but it will highlight its significance. It suggests that the Shoshone Bannock’s response to the trappers may not be a unified front, creating opportunities and vulnerabilities for both sides. McKenzie, if he becomes aware of these divisions, might seek to exploit them, or he might find himself caught in the crossfire of indigenous politics. The chapter will end with a moment that underscores this internal division – perhaps a Shoshone Bannock group acting independently of Pocatello’s directives, or a council meeting ending in disagreement, leaving the future course of action uncertain and highlighting the complex tapestry of indigenous responses. The chapter will focus on the internal divisions within the Shoshone Bannock tribes regarding their response to the trappers. The contrasting viewpoints of factions advocating for continued conflict versus those seeking coexistence or negotiation will be central. The chapter will explore the factors contributing to these divisions and their impact on the overall indigenous response. The chapter will highlight the complexity of indigenous societies and their varied strategies for dealing with external threats. The chapter will conclude with a scene that vividly illustrates this internal division, leaving the reader with a sense of the Shoshone Bannock’s fractured but determined stance.