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

Aug 16
Aug 16, 2025: Native American and Indigenous Student Welcome Reception at University of Nevada, Reno Joe Crowley Student Union 03:00 PM Welcome Event
More Indigenous Relations Community Events

Latest news

Group photo of the 2024 Native LEAD participants with President Brian Sandoval.

Native American students invited to experience life on campus

June 03, 2025

Registration is open for Native Learn, Empower, Achieve, Dream program, July 6 – 10, 2025

Myrton Running Wolf.

Myrton Running Wolf, ‘a force of nature,’ to be remembered at campus memorial service

April 30, 2025

Journalism faculty member known as actor, screenwriter and advocate for Indigenous peoples

Four people stand next to one another smiling for a photo in front of the chemistry building.

Empowering Amazonian Indigenous communities with energy solutions

December 23, 2024

Kichwa researcher visited University of Nevada, Reno for six weeks to learn about renewables

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.