Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Presents

New Year's Eve Sobriety Powwow 2025

(RENO, NV.) Looking for a family friendly, sober NYE celebration full of tradition? Join us for the 21st Annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow on Tuesday, December 31st, 4pm-12:30am at the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) Gym: 34 Reservation Road, Building #B, Reno, NV.

It's a FREE=FAMILY FRIENDLY event for all ages. Everyone is invited to participate, inclusive of our non-native friends. 

Powwows gather people from all walks of life and this powwow focuses on sober traditions that reflect RSIC's values and goals. It brings an exciting opportunity to create memorable experiences without the influence of alcohol or substances.  

In its 21st year, everyone in attendance will welcome the New Year with drums, songs, and rounding dancing; all while passing cultural practices from one generation to the next.

Traditionally, Native Americans acknowledge the New Year 2 weeks before the modern-day January 1st celebration; through the sun, mountains & stars. The old ones used astronomical observations to create calendars and the passing of time. Ceremonies, songs and prayers are held to honor the universe as we are all connected.

The annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow does not forget these teachings and honors the dancing, prayers and songs to heal our nations and continue to provide a sober, safe and fun event on the biggest drinking holiday of the year!

Alongside the powwow, there will be Indigenous artists selling handmade beadwork, quill work, silverwork, paintings, native-style clothing and traditional foods. 

All powwow attendees will be able to partake in free raffle door prizes, the sobriety chip giveaway, cake walks, & more. No one will get bored.

The RSIC New Year’s Eve Sobriety Powwow began in 2003. The RSIC community was experiencing an increase in drug abuse and a committee was formed, the Drug Elimination Task Force (DETF). The DETF provided work programs for the various RSIC government departments. One of these programs became a notable community event, the Annual New Year’s Eve Pow-Wow: A Sobriety Celebration.

We hope you and your family can make the time to swing by our sober event. 

This event is organized by the RSIC Powwow Committee and sponsored by Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center, Travel Nevada and Nevada’s Indian Territory.

For more information, please contact Bethany Sam at bsam@rsic.org or 775-842-2902.

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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 Washoe, Paiute and Shoshone 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.

Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Mission & Vision Statement
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony's mission is to offer opportunities for tribal members to improve their lives and enhance tribal values by making community programs, services, and projects available. RSIC's vision is for a strong community that promotes and encourages individual spiritual, physical, and emotional health to foster a long, abundant, and prosperous life; which will promote personal, family and community responsibility and prosperity.