Victories
Native Voters Alliance Nevada is the only 501(c)(4) in Nevada that is led by Natives and works exclusively for Natives. We work tirelessly to bring Native issues to the forefront of the political sphere in Nevada. This work includes direct voter contact and issue advocacy.
Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Designation
March 2023 President Joe Biden designated Avi Kwa Ame(Ah-VEE kwa-meh) in southern Nevada as the United States’ newest national monument, keeping a promise made last year during the 2022 Tribal Nations Summit in Washington D.C.
Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Southern Nevada contains some of the most visually stunning, biologically diverse, and culturally significant lands in the entire Mojave Desert.
Stretching from the Newberry mountains in the east to the New York, South McCullough, Castle, and Piute mountains in the west, these lands feature dramatic peaks, scenic canyons, natural springs, sloping bajadas covered with ancient Joshua tree forests, unique grasslands, and a rich history of rock art and other cultural sites.
The entire area is considered sacred by ten Yuman speaking tribes as well as the Hopi and Chemehuevi Paiute. For the Yuman tribes, the area is tied to their creation, cosmology, and well-being. Spirit Mountain, called Avi Kwa Ame by the Mojave Tribe, is located on the eastern boundary of the Monument. It is designated a Traditional Cultural Property on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its religious and cultural importance.
Native Voters Alliance Nevada worked within the Avi Kwa Ame Coalition as well as alongside the Biden-Harris administration to aid in the designation.
Native Voters Alliance Nevada Issues Urgent Open Letter to Candidates as Early Voting Ends
NEVADA – On the final day of Early Voting for the 2024 General Election, Native Voters Alliance Nevada, the only 501(c)4 Native advocacy group in the state, has issued an urgent open letter to candidates at all levels—presidential, federal, state, and local. The letter underscores the need for immediate and concrete action to protect sacred lands like Avi Kwa Ame and to advance designations for Chuckwalla and Kw’tsán. Native voters are calling for leaders who will honor their commitments and recognize that protecting these lands is not optional but essential to the survival and sovereignty of Indigenous communities.
Open Letter to Carson City: When Government Closes Its Doors, Indian Country Knows Exactly What Comes Next
NEVADA – During an extraordinary special legislative session marked by restricted public access and rushed high-impact policy decisions, Native Voters Alliance Nevada (NVAN), the only 501(c)4 Native advocacy organization in the state, has issued an open letter highlighting the Nevada Legislature’s continued pattern of exclusion that echoes generations of government-inflicted trauma against Tribal Nations. The Assembly’s refusal to allow telephonic public comment prevented working families, Tribal citizens, and everyday Nevadans from participating in deliberations on a 1.8 billion dollar corporate welfare tax credit. The letter outlines serious concerns raised by lawmakers and community partners regarding transparency, accessibility, and the erosion of democratic participation. NVAN urges state leadership to end practices that silence communities most impacted by economic hardship and to commit to meaningful public involvement in decisions that shape the future of Nevada.
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.
Nevada’s Missed Mark: Tribes Honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day After State Veto
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.
Native Voters Alliance Nevada Announces Leadership Transition
NEVADA — Just before midnight, Reps. Amodei (NV) and Malloy (UT) introduced a surprise amendment to a sweeping budget reconciliation bill mandating the sell-off of public lands. The move bypassed standard procedures, limited debate, and appeared timed to avoid public scrutiny. Newly released maps confirm the proposal targets areas near Avi Kwa Ame and Gold Butte, an estimated 12,000 acres in Fernley—including land that borders the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation—and an estimated 15,000 acres in Washoe County. Even more land is flagged as “eligible for disposal” in future federal land management plans.
Public Lands, Private Deal: Tribal Homelands Marked for Sale Near Avi Kwa Ame and Gold Butte
NEVADA — Just before midnight, Reps. Amodei (NV) and Malloy (UT) introduced a surprise amendment to a sweeping budget reconciliation bill mandating the sell-off of public lands. The move bypassed standard procedures, limited debate, and appeared timed to avoid public scrutiny. Newly released maps confirm the proposal targets areas near Avi Kwa Ame and Gold Butte, an estimated 12,000 acres in Fernley—including land that borders the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation—and an estimated 15,000 acres in Washoe County. Even more land is flagged as “eligible for disposal” in future federal land management plans.
Trump Administration’s Push to Sell Public Lands Betrays American Values and Tribal Sovereignty
NEVADA — In a brazen move, the Trump Administration has mandated a review of protections for Nevada’s national monuments, signaling a clear intent to open these cherished public lands for mining and drilling. This directive from the Department of the Interior directly threatens the ecological sanctity and cultural heritage of significant areas like Avi Kwa Ame, undermining decades of environmental conservation and Tribal sovereignty in pursuit of short-term industrial profits.
Native Voters Alliance Nevada Condemns Amodei and Maloy’s Shameless Attack on the Antiquities Act
NEVADA – On the final day of Early Voting for the 2024 General Election, Native Voters Alliance Nevada, the only 501(c)4 Native advocacy group in the state, has issued an urgent open letter to candidates at all levels—presidential, federal, state, and local. The letter underscores the need for immediate and concrete action to protect sacred lands like Avi Kwa Ame and to advance designations for Chuckwalla and Kw’tsán. Native voters are calling for leaders who will honor their commitments and recognize that protecting these lands is not optional but essential to the survival and sovereignty of Indigenous communities.
Native Voters Alliance Nevada Launches Influential Endorsement Process
LAS VEGAS, NV — In a historic move to elevate Indigenous representation and impact Nevada’s political landscape, Native Voters Alliance Nevada (NVAN) is excited to unveil its inaugural endorsement process for the 2024 election cycle. This groundbreaking initiative represents a pivotal moment in NVAN’s dedicated pursuit to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities and ensure that their most crucial issues are front and center in the political arena.
Fair Fight Action Nevada Task Force Issues Statement on Eve of Nevada Election
NEVADA – The Fair Fight Action Task Force, composed of community forward organizations, has formed with the intent of ensuring the integrity of the Nevada election. Members of the Task Force include: Fair Fight Action, ACLU of Nevada, All Voting is Local, America Votes Nevada, Battle Born Progress, Culinary Union, For Our Future Nevada, MPower 360, Native Voters Alliance Nevada, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), and Silver State Voices.
One APIA Nevada, Asian Community Development Council and Native Voters Alliance Nevada Team Up to Push Final Early Votes
Las Vegas, Nevada (October 28th, 2020) – Local nonprofit organizations, Asian Community Development Council (ACDC), One APIA Nevada and Native Voters Alliance Nevada, are hosting pop-up booths throughout polling locations to encourage a final wave of early voters on the last day of early voting period. The locations are expected to be Arroyo Crossing, Galleria at Sunset, Mountain’s Edge Regional Park and Mountain Crest Park (exact locations TBD).