Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 9, 2023

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

Today, Oct. 9, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples and recognize their invaluable contributions to the world. Our University’s land acknowledgment recognizes the fact that we are situated on the traditional homelands of Indigenous Peoples and that we extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on their territory.

The University has made it a priority to work with the Native community. The University offers Paiute language courses in collaboration with Pyramid Lake Paiute Elder, storyteller, and native-language specialist. Further, the University offers a Minor in Indigenous Studies, which provides an understanding of the cultures, knowledges, histories, and experiences of Indigenous peoples in the Americas and around the globe.

The University has made a commitment to the Tribes to repatriate human remains and items of cultural patrimony as required by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This has included the addition of a NAGPRA Liaison position, which is working on ensuring compliance.

Through the creation of the Office of Indigenous Relations, the University has been able to develop more meaningful relationships with the Tribal communities throughout the State while increasing awareness and support throughout the campus. This has been accomplished by providing cultural competency trainings on campus, connecting the campus community to the Tribal communities, being a resource for students, faculty and staff, and the Tribal communities.

Many Indigenous students have attended the University, and we continue to build a welcoming environment on campus by creating visibility and awareness throughout campus. This semester, 154 students have taken advantage of the Native American Fee waiver, which was initially approved by the 2021 Nevada State Legislature and amended in 2023. The students represented more than 42 Federally Recognized Tribes from across the United States. Additionally, over 30 Indigenous faculty and staff are present on campus.

In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the film “The Fight Against Native American Mascoting” which has ties to Northern Nevada, will be screened for free at the Joe Crowley Student Union Theater on Oct. 10 at 5 p.m.

Please use this day and all days to learn more, listen, and acknowledge the work, achievement, and successes of our Native American students, faculty and staff, alumni, and Tribal communities.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President