Nevada Dept of Native American Affairs

Donna and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Chairman Arlan D. Melendez, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

He leaves behind four grown children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, lifelong friends, neighbors, colleagues, and admirers.

Thousands of people were touched, witnessed, and will remember his extremely kind heart, his gentle spirit, his quest for fairness, and his willingness to help anyone. He was a Marine Corp Veteran who served during the Vietnam Conflict. He leaves behind his wife, Joyce.

For three decades, the Colony grew its strong, stable government as he guided his people to unprecedented economic development and access to the most sophisticated Tribal health care in the Great Basin.

Today the most effective, longest serving, and most beloved Tribal Chairman in our region’s history, perhaps, the country, Mr. Arlan D. Melendez, died. He held the highest elected office for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony for 32 years and retired in December of 2023.

WE ARE HIRING! AIANTA is looking for an Education & Business Development Director (remote position) to join our vibrant team! Deadline: June 16, 2025 🔗 Find the full job description on AIANTA.org or by clicking here: bit.ly/AIANTAJobs

Congratulations to these young ladies, from all across Indian Country, who were selected to play with Team Native American (18U) softball at the 2025 International Challenge Cup in Westminster, Colorado on June 25th-29th. #NativePreps

Remaining Native" is One of the Best Running Films of 2025 #NativeAthlete buff.ly/KnLrmjZ

Grateful to Chairman Tso for showing me around the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe’s new Wellness Center, where Tribal community members can access state-of-the-art fitness and nutrition facilities.

This week, Secretary @CiscoAguilar kicked off an active listening tour to build relationships with Nevada’s 28 tribes, bands & colonies to better understand the unique needs of NV’s Native population and engage in open dialogue about growth & opportunity. nevadaappeal.com/news/2025/apr/…

Aaliyah Nye (Pottawatomi) was selected by the Las Vegas Aces with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft #NativeAthlete #Pottawatomi #GunLake #WNBA buff.ly/Rt4aWBA

U.S. Forest Service-Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will be conducting pile burn operations near Sky Tavern today. Residents can expect to see smoke along the Mount Rose Corridor. Burning operations are likely to continue through the week. @HumboldtToiyabe

If someone you know is thinking about suicide, here's how to help: 🧡 Be there. Show them you care & are ready to listen. 🧡 Listen without judgment. Respond with compassion & empathy. 🧡 Acknowledge their pain. Let them know their feelings are valid & they're not alone.

✨ You’re invited: No membership required. No cost. Just the power of your presence. Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET, we come together for 5 minutes to share peace and loving intention with the world. Join us and be part of something meaningful. #ShareHealing

This Saturday, in honor of National Park Week, all entrance fees are waived at national parks across the country! Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking trails or walking through history, this is your chance to explore America’s best idea for free. Photo by Phillip Abrams

📣 @Interior will host eight tribal consultation sessions to gather input from tribal leaders on federal programs, policies, and funding priorities. The @Whitehouse is working to enhance government efficiency while upholding trust and treaty obligations across Indian Country. Indian Affairs seeks to engage directly with federally recognized tribes to receive formal input on critical needs as it develops plans to implement operational improvements. ️📍 6 In-Person Sessions 💻 Virtual participation is available 🗣️ 2 Virtual-Only Sessions

Happy Jim Thorpe Day! In 1973, President Richard Nixon proclaimed April 16th "Jim Thorpe Day" in recognition of his accomplishments. Thorpe (1887-1953) was Sac & Fox/Potawatomi. He won Gold Medals for the Pentathlon and Decathlon. #NativeAthlete #SacFox #Potawatomi #GOAT

Looking forward to working together towards a healthier Indian Country!

Congratulations to Mahpiya Irving (Oglala Lakota/PBPN), out of Haskell Indian Nations University, who scored her 1,000th career point for the Lady Indians basketball program. #NativeAthlete #PrairieBandPotawatomi #Oglala #HINU

Please see my office's statement on the federal funding freeze below: