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
Five children wear traditional clothing for a powwow celebration, while other attendees stand behind them.
A group of LEAD students sit at a conference table with President Sandoval.

Tribal Students LEAD Program

This program is high school students to learn, empower, achieve and dream as LEADers of the future. LEAD is a culturally enriched, immersive higher education exploration program for Native American students to stay on campus and learn about how to prepare for the University application process, financial aid and degree options.

Learn more and apply

The Great Basin Mural: Honoring Heritage Through Art

The mural provides a visual representation throughout the years of Native American communities in Nevada, specifically in the Great Basin region and serves as a space for gathering, reflection, and celebration of Native American Peoples of the Great Basin.

Explore the mural

Our communities

Nevada is home to the Great Basin Tribes of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Newe (Western Shoshone), Nuwu (Southern Paiute) and the Wašiw (Washoe). These communities are comprised of 28 separate reservations, bands, colonies, and community councils.

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.

Three indigenous University graduates posing for a picture

2025 Affinity celebrations

The Multicultural Center hosts Affinity Celebrations to provide an opportunity for students to honor and celebrate with those who have helped them reach this milestone. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the event to celebrate with our students and their loved ones.

See all 2025 affinity celebrations

Upcoming events

Nov 19
Native American Heritage Climb Night at Mesa Rim at Mesa Rim Climbing Center 06:00 PM Arts & Culture
More Indigenous Relations Community Events

Latest news

Two women holding award plaques from the Nevada Press Association.

Students win Nevada Press Association awards for agricultural and environmental reporting

October 07, 2025

Students report on today’s pressing issues: environmental and agricultural sustainability, understanding of different cultures to avoid conflict, and wildfire prevention

A person seated behind a camera facing another person who is being interviewed on camera for an article.

Elevate Native Voices: Journalism school takes career-focused media workshop on the road

October 06, 2025

Instructor and alumna Alejandra Rubio led a journalism and photography workshop for members of the Yavapai-Apache Nation

Riata Palmer, wearing traditional clothing including a beaded crown that reads "University of Nevada, Reno, Miss Powwow Princess."

Faces of The Pack: Riata Palmer

October 03, 2025

Powwow Princess Riata Palmer uses her crown as a platform for advocacy and cultural representation

Stay connected

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Office of Indigenous Relations newsletter

 

Land acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the University of Nevada, Reno 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.