The Cultural Center Museum reflects the history, culture, and living history of the Nuumu (Paiute) and Newe (Shoshone) People. The museum showcases the art and life way of the Nuumu and Newe. Included are cultural displays, Memorial Hall paying tribute to Native American Veterans and their families, Environmental Displays, and collections of artifacts, historical archives and media. They also have a wonderful Native Garden and a Walking Trail through the tribe’s COSA (Conservation Open Space Area). The Museum Gift Shop offers visitors the opportunity to purchase arts and crafts as keepsakes made by local tribal artisans as well as publications that pertain to native culture. The Museum and Gift shop are great resource for researchers and general public.

The Bishop Paiute Reservation Conservation Open Space Area (COSA) is a 24.8 acre tract of breathtaking wetlands set aside for conservation, research, education and outdoor recreation. Please utilize the 1.2 mile walking path and explore this website for more ways to enjoy the plethora of unique plants and wildlife present on the refuge.

The COSA Refuge will be a model for conserving the natural diversity of plants and animals, preserving cultural resources, and providing opportunities for research, environmental education, and quality outdoor recreation. The refuge will link other wildlands with vital habitat for threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and resident wildlife, and it will protect the natural resources of Bishop Paiute Reservation. Conservation of the natural health and beauty of the refuge is our promise to the community and future generations.

In September of 2022, Gigi accepted a proposal from the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission (OVIWC) with support from core partners to purchase Three Creeks for $900,000 and return the water and land back into indigenous care. Gigi has already given us a generous start by offering this watering hole well below market value.

This opportunity will provide space for our Collective to nurture connections that build alliances, bring attention to local/global water issues, contribute to food sovereignty, support cultural revitalization, and engage youth in community with global stewards.

We Urgently Need Your Support to Meet our First Fundraising Goal of $900K by February 21st! This is the first phase in a longer-range goal of raising $2,000,000 total to cover maintenance, building repair and stewardship.

Please consider supporting us by making a monetary tax-exempt contribution today and help us reach our goals!

The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission (OVIWC) is one of a growing number of organizations around the world working to protect water resources and expand food security for current and future generations. Indigenous communities are at the forefront of these efforts, continuing our history of stewardship that dates back since time immemorial. Communities like ours all around the globe are struggling to maintain access to water amidst increasing scarcity due to climate change, resource extraction and export, privatization, and ever-growing corporate influence.

The goal of the Education Center is to provide quality educational supportive services for the youth of the tribe and surrounding community by maintaining a positive, supportive, and responsible staff dedicated to the development of well-rounded individuals. The Education Center will monitor student progress, offer tutorial services, workshops, scholarship opportunities, college and career counseling, mediation, parent conflict support, as well as various activities for both parents and students.

Meryl Picard is the Tribal Chairwoman for the Bishop Paiute Tribe. She is excited to welcome you all to Payahuunüdü. Her passion has always been to help better the lives of the disenfranchised and disempowered, especially the youth in our communities. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Montana and has over ten years of professional experience working in education. Meryl was the past Language Manager as well as the past Education Director for the Bishop Paiute Tribe. Her husband and three boys are an active family who love to play sports and explore their beautiful backyard in Owens Valley.