FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Mathilda Miller, [email protected], 808-897-1630
Nevada’s Missed Mark: Tribes Honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day After State Veto
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LAS VEGAS, NV — Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed across Nevada as Tribal Nations, communities, and local businesses pause work to honor Native history, culture, and sovereignty. Earlier this year, state lawmakers passed a bipartisan bill to officially recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed the measure, leaving Nevada without formal recognition on the correct day even as sovereign Tribal Nations continue to lead the celebration.
In his veto message, the Governor claimed that Nevada already honors Indigenous peoples through the International Day of Indigenous Peoples each August. Yet no proclamation was issued this year, and during his tenure, he hasn’t issued one for Columbus Day either.
Barbara Hartzell, Executive Director of Native Voters Alliance Nevada, issued the following statement:
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day belongs to the ancestral stewards of this land, and no veto can change that. Our relatives fought relentlessly for this day. Tribal Nations, community members, educators, and allies stood shoulder to shoulder to win bipartisan support and place Indigenous Peoples’ Day where it belongs. The Governor may have vetoed it, but our voices were not silenced. We are still here, and we are not going anywhere.
“As we celebrate today, we can’t ignore that too many Indigenous families are still being left behind. Last week, the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada’s WIC Services were forced to suspend operations during the government shutdown. While the USDA has since provided temporary funding, it offers no lasting stability. The WIC program provides vital nutrition support for more than 500 Indigenous families, many in rural communities where access to healthy food and medical care is already limited. When that lifeline disappears, babies go without formula, mothers go without vegetables, and families lose the dignity of choice.
“Too many Native families have waited by the phone, pinned flyers, and prayed for answers while the systems built to protect us looked away. We know the cost of invisibility and the lifesaving power of laws that bring our relatives home and keep our people safe. Our next Tribal legislative priority will keep building that safety and visibility so no Native family is ever left searching alone again. Nevada must understand this: we are here, we are leading, and we are shaping a future where Native lives and voices can no longer be ignored.
“If you want to take action today, donate to ITCN’s WIC Services and stand with Nevada’s Indigenous families.”
Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of Battle Born Progress, issued the following statement:
“This Indigenous Peoples’ Day serves as yet another reminder of Governor Lombardo’s failure to stand with Nevada’s Tribal Nations. From vetoing AB144 to remaining silent amid the ongoing government shutdown with its devastating impact on Native families, his leadership has consistently fallen short. Our Tribal communities deserve a leader who will fight for equitable access to essential resources, services, and opportunities.
“Today, we ask you to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day with action. Please consider donating to the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada’s WIC Program, which provides critical services to women, infants, and children across our state.”
Laura Martin, Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, issued the following statement:
“From vetoing Indigenous Peoples’ Day to allowing mining corporations evade accountability, Governor Lombardo and the good ol’ boy Nevada Way have failed to honor and protect the indigenous communities of Nevada. Today is much more than a day to honor indigenous communities, but to acknowledge the struggles and hardships brought about by generations of genocide and systemic oppression. Tribal communities are often on the frontlines and bear the brunt of the consequences for the climate crisis. The voices of Tribal communities are often ignored to fast track so-called ‘green initiatives’ like lithium and hard rock mining. These projects are fast tracked despite threats to cultural sites and environmental damage like polluting ground water. The resilience of Indigenous communities deserves to be honored and supported as we continue to live on stolen land.”
Jackie Spicer, Coalition Coordinator of the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition, issued the following statement:
“Since time immemorial, Tribal Nations have been the ancestral stewards of this land, protecting its water, wildlife, and landscapes long before Nevada became a state. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor that legacy and continue to recommit ourselves to following Indigenous leadership in the fight for environmental justice. True climate action begins with respect for sovereignty and a recognition that every movement for clean air, clean water, and liveable future exists because Indigenous peoples have led the way.”
Eric Jeng, Executive Director of One APIA Nevada, issued the following:
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to honor the deep history and leadership of Tribal Nations across Nevada. This day exists because Indigenous communities have long demanded that their stories, sovereignty, and stewardship be recognized. Nevada came close to official recognition through AB144, though Governor Lombardo refused to sign it. Honoring Native history means listening to Indigenous voices and upholding their vision for a future where recognition is reflected in action. We stand with Tribal Nations whose dedication continues to protect Nevada’s communities and heritage.”
Donation Details:
Checks can be mailed to: Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada WIC Program
10 State St. Reno, NV 89501 or P.O. Box 7440 Reno NV 89510
Online donation portal: https://www.itcn.org/?page_id=2696
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About Native Voters Alliance Nevada: A rising powerhouse in the Nevada political landscape, Native Voters Alliance Nevada (NVAN) is dedicated to forging a dynamic Native ecosystem and fostering political strength within Indigenous communities. We serve as a resonating platform for urban and Tribal Nation voices, guiding elections, molding legislation, and championing Tribal sovereignty. Join us in our empowering journey and learn more at https://nativevotesnv.org/.