Each Labor Day weekend, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony hosts its’ internationally acclaimed Numaga Indian Days Powwow and Handgames; or traditional gambling. 

The 37th annual event, will be held August 29th-August 31st, 2025 in Hungry Valley (501 Many Nations Road, Sparks, NV 89441). This is an alcohol and drug free event. 

Numaga Indian Days is open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend. Moreover if you're just spectating, we want to see you try powwow dancing during the inter-tribal songs. 

This FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY event features indigenous champion dancers from all over North America to compete. Famous powwow singers and drummers who contend for the victory title; 1st place in the drum contest; to include a total purse of $18,000 in cash prizes. Additionally, professional handgame players; traditional gamblers; battling bones to cash in as Champions.  

Besides the memorable powwow entertainment, over 50 vendors will be selling Indian Tacos, traditional native food, stunning handcrafted silverwork, beadwork, baskets and other American Indian art. 

You can visit the Rib-Cook Off and then come to the powwow or check us out on your way back from Burning Man.

Bring your own chairs (bleacher space limited), shade canopy, water, and cash for vendors. Be prepared for warm, dusty weather during the day and cold evenings. Dry camping is also available at powwow grounds with showers provided.

DIRECTIONS TO POWWOW

NUMAGA INDIAN DAYS OFFICIAL FLYER

If you've never been to a powwow, see link for more information https://nevadasindianterritory.com/powwows-calendar/powwow-faq/ 

Photography etiquette information,
https://nevadasindianterritory.com/powwows-calendar/photography-etiquette/

Friday, August 29th
The Grand Entry will start at 7pm, on Friday, August 29th. Grand Entry is when all dancers enter the arbor. Competition dancing will start around 8pm and last until about 10pm-11pm.

Saturday, August 30th 
Saturday’s 1^st session/day session Grand Entry will be at 1pm, August 30th. Competition dancing will start around 2pm and last until about 5pm-6pm. Signature event of the Paiute Dress Special will be around 3pm.

Saturday’s 2^nd session/evening session Grand Entry will restart at 7pm, with competition dancing starting around 8pm. Highlight event is the Spotlight Special for Men’s Old Style Grass and Women’s Fancy Bustle Dancing. Spotlight will begin around 9:30pm with more competition dancing afterward. Evening session will close around 11pm.

Sunday, August 31st
Sunday, August 31st, Grand Entry will be at noon. Competitions begin around 1pm and last until about 5pm.

Numaga Powwow Committe - Email powwow@rsic.org 
Bridgette Stump (VENDORS): 775-846-5997
Anita Talancon: 775-338-3723
Lorri Chasing Crow: 775-560-2788
Sharon Yazzie: 775-750-4589

Click Here for Food Vendor Application

Click Here for Craft Vendor Application

For media requests, call Bethany Sam, RSIC Public Relations Officer at 775-842-2902 or email bsam@rsic.org.

HANDGAMES OR TRADITIONAL GAMBLING - 
More information, call Jada Sam at 775-235-3389

ABOUT CHIEF NUMAGA (1830-1871)
The powwow is named after Chief Numaga, the famous Paiute Chief, known for peace. Numaga translated to the English language, means “Giver / Generous Leader.”

His successful peace negotiations before and after the Battle of Pyramid Lake helped set a precedent for future disputes. 

Numaga repeatedly chose peace when he could, but always remained a fierce warrior. Facing severe threats to his people by invading miners and ranchers after silver was discovered in the Comstock Lode near Carson City, NV and gold in Sierra Mountains, he led his people to victory against the US Militia and volunteers in the Battle of Pyramid Lake (1860). The newcomers assaulted the Paiutes and destroyed their food sources.

Throughout his lifetime, Numaga was a visionary leader and had the courage to advocate on behalf of all native people over the loss of habitable land, food sources, traditional spiritual teachings and culture. 

Numaga has a documented history of trying to preserve the destruction of our aboriginal lands. Numaga called the pine nut groves "the Indian’s orchards" and asked colonizers to collect fallen timber instead of cutting down healthy trees. 

Unfortunately, Numaga’s early advocacy for Mother Earth fell on deaf ears. It is astonishing that Native people continue the same fight today with climate justice, green energy and the decisions made to desecrate Mother Earth for profit. This is why we honor Chief Numaga. 

We Thank All of Our Sponsors: 

OTHER EVENTS DURING NUMAGA INDIAN DAYS

• Numaga Indian Days Princess Pageant - Thursday, August 28th, 6pm-8pm at Hungry Valley Gym (9075 Eagle Canyon Road) 
  • Join us as we cheer on and encourage our future Numaga Royalty. Contestants will showcase their public speaking skills, traditional talent and exhibition of their dance style.
• Numaga Warrior 7-Mile Run - Saturday, August 30th, Begins at 8am at Hungry Valley Amphitheater (9075 Eagle Canyon Road). Sponsored by Three Nations Wellness Center. 
  • We are bringing back the Warrior Run for those die hard runners. The route is 7.4 miles in the desert. A turn around point will be marked for you to reach and the finish line will be at the starting point. 
  • Registration starts at 7:30am at Hungry Valley Amphitheater (9075 Eagle Canyon Road)
  • Light Refreshments will be provided after your run.
  • T-shirts are first come, first serve to the first 100 participants in the Warrior Run and/or Walk/Run. 
  • Contact Devyn Cox at 775-334-0938 or Daniel Thayer at 775-329-5162 ext 1918
• 3-Mile Walk/Run & Elder Route- Saturday, August 30th, Begins at 8:30am at Hungry Valley Amphitheater (9075 Eagle Canyon Road). Sponsored by Three Nations Wellness Center. 
  • Route is 3 miles in the streets of Hungry Valley. Bring your little ones in their strollers and family to partake in our event. 
  • Registration starts at 7:30am at Hungry Valley Amphitheater (9075 Eagle Canyon Road).
  • Light Refreshments will be provided after your run.
  • T-shirts are first come, first serve to the first 100 participants in the Warrior Run and/or Walk/Run. 
  • Contact Devyn Cox at 775-334-0938 or Daniel Thayer at 775-329-5162 ext 1918, 
• Strong Man Challenge - Saturday, August 30th, Event starts at 10am at Hungry Valley Recreation Center (9075 Eagle Canyon Road). Sponsored by RSIC Recreation Program. 
  • Contest Open to All for both Men and Women (18 years & older).
  • Registration Opens at 9:30am. No Fee Required. At Hungry Valley Recreation Center (9075 Eagle Canyon Road). 
  • Free lunch for all participants and spectators. 
  • This event is sponsored by the RSIC Recreation Program to provide a safe, alcohol and drug free event for all, in support of the Numaga Indian Days and the well being of our community.  

About the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony formed a federally recognized government in 1936 under the Indian Reorganization Act.  Located in Reno, Nev., the RSIC consists of over 1300 tribal members from three Great Basin Tribes – the Paiute, Shoshone and Washoe Tribes. The RSIC is a vibrant, diverse organization, which balances traditional teachings and rich culture with contemporary business methods. 

Our mission is to offer opportunities for tribal members to improve their lives and enhance tribal values by making community programs, services, and projects available, while educating the public about our history, culture and modern lifestyle. 

For more information about the RSIC community, culture, departments, economic developments, business opportunities and services, go to www.rsic.org or please contact Bethany Sam, Public Relations Officer, at 775-842-2902 or bsam@rsic.org.