ҹɫÊÓÆµ

Our mission

The Office of Indigenous Relations builds strong community connections, provides funding and resources, and creates supportive and culturally inclusive environments for Indigenous students, faculty, and communities.

Our communities
Children wearing indigenous outfits with flowers and royalty.

Native Nations Center

The Nevada Native Nations Center, located in the Office of Indigenous Relations, was developed under Nevada Tech Hub to ensure collaboration and inclusion for Nevada’s Tribal communities. The Center is comprised of five components that focus on supporting Tribal communities, culture and pathways for success.

Recruitment

The office supports tribal recruitment efforts rooted in community relationships and Tribal partnership. These efforts support Native students and families by connecting them to resources like the Native American Fee Waiver and programs like the LEAD (Learn, Empower, Achieve, Dream) Program that support educational and workforce pathways.

Retention

The office supports retention through the Tribal Academy, which focuses on assisting high school and college students throughout their educational and career journeys. These efforts center community, mentorship, and culturally responsive support to help Native students persist, succeed, and remain connected to their goals.

Tribal Leadership Development

The Tribal Leadership Development Program is designed for elected and appointed representatives and organizational leaders of Nevada’s various tribal councils and tribal communities. The program focuses on strengthening leadership, management skills, and building relationships to create a lasting community of practice.

Workshops

In partnership with the University Center for Economic Development the office delivers workshops based on the specific needs of Tribal communities. These workshops provide practical tools, knowledge, and connections that support Tribal governments’ ability to plan for, manage, and participate in economic development opportunities.

Consultation

Tribal consultation is a federal mandate and a critical component of responsible and efficient development. The office supports strengthening ongoing consultation efforts to better understand Tribal priorities and address potential cultural, environmental, and social considerations that may arise among Tribal Nations, public agencies, private industry, and community-based organizations.

Latest news

Misty Youngbear and her family at the Nevada Indigenous Affinity Celebration.

When patient care becomes community care

Nurse and Online Master of Public Health student Misty Youngbear is using public health to strengthen community while serving the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

A group of speakers from the Tribal Summit on Age- and Dementia-Friendly Care in 2025.

Aging and dementia care summit at Pyramid Lake brings together Tribal leaders and health experts

Co-hosted by the School of Public Health’s DEER Program and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, the event explores traditional healing and clinical care

Debra Harry holding a book, next to a bookshelf and book titled "We Are Still Here.".

Associate Professor Debra Harry, Ph.D has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Gender, Race, and Identity proudly celebrates this national achievement

Are you looking to work with a Tribe?

If you would like to work with a Tribe on a program or research, please coordinate through our office and we will guide you through the process.

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Land acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the ҹɫÊÓÆµ is situated on the traditional homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples. These lands continue to be a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples and we recognize their deep connections to these places. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on their territory.