November 9, 2010

 Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and called on Nevadans to honor the rich heritage of Nevada’s tribes on Native American Heritage Day on November 26.

 “Before pioneers, prospectors, and entrepreneurs founded the Silver State, the Washoe, Western Shoshone and Paiute people made the wild landscape of the Sierra Nevadas and the desert of the Southwest their home for generations and generations. It was these First Nevadans, today represented by more than 27 federally recognized Indian tribes, who protected Nevada’s wilderness and lived off of the bounty of the land, sunshine and glistening lakes.

 “Today, these tribal nations continue to be a voice for the preservation of Nevada’s unique landscape and the guardians of languages and cultures that enrich our state.  The heritage and wisdom of Nevada’s native people thrives today and is helping to write our state’s future. Just this year a Nevada tribe became the first to form an agreement with a utility investing in clean power for our state. I will continue to hear their voice and work to help make First Nevadans’ lives better by ensuring that the United States honors its treaty obligations to and trust relationship with all American Indians and Alaska Natives.”