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.
Powwows gather people from all walks of life and this powwow is a free-family friendly event. Everyone is invited to participate, inclusive of our non-native friends. In its 21st year, everyone in attendance will welcome the New Year with drums, songs, dance and not a single drop of alcohol.
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!
At the powwow there will be Indigenous artists selling handmade beadwork, quill work, silverwork, paintings, native-style clothing and traditional foods. There will be hand drum music and round dances while passing cultural practices from one generation to the next.
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!
This alcohol and drug free event is to provide a culturally appropriate sober atmosphere and to address the stereotype America has portrayed Native Americans as drunk Indians caused by historical trauma. Let’s celebrate sobriety together!
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.
No one will get bored with dance specials and small competitions for each powwow dance category. Nonetheless, all powwow attendees will be able to partake in free raffle door prizes, the sobriety chip giveaway, cake walks, & more. .
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.
