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

Apr 03
Honoring Our Future Scholars Day at University of Nevada, Reno 09:00 AM Prospective & New Students
More Indigenous Relations Community Events

Latest news

Sydney Williams headshot.

Sydney K. Williams named Nevada’s Udall institutional nominee

March 09, 2026

Williams demonstrates deep dedication to public service and advocacy for Tribal communities

A row of empty desks in a classroom.

Spotlighting the legacy of Black educators in Navajo Nation schools

January 27, 2026

Research traces the overlooked impact of desegregation-era policies

Antoinette Cavanaugh reading the book she wrote.

Faces of the Pack: Antoinette Cavanaugh

December 01, 2025

Doctoral student celebrates the launch of her bilingual children’s book honoring Shoshone language, family and culture

Stay connected

Subscribe to our newsletter where we highlight the achievements and impacts happening within the community and across campus.

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.