Serving the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and HV Communities


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“A Violation of Native American Rights”:
Archeological Procedures Begin at Thacker Pass
Ancestors and Sacred Sites in the Firing Line
OROVADA, NEVADA (April 18, 2022) — Archeological procedures began at the site of the planned Thacker Pass lithium mine this week in what the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) says it is a violation of Native American rights.
“These procedures are desecrating the resting place of our ancestors in violation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act [NAGPRA],” says Michon R. Eben, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. “The Federal Government should be ashamed of the lack of government-to-government consultation by BLM Winnemucca and Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc.”
Thacker Pass was the site of a 1865 massacre of Paiutes committed by the U.S. military.
In a letter (attached) the Tribe sent to the archeological firm conducting the dig, Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc., the RSIC demands “Far Western to immediately halt the planned archeological digs and refuse to participate in the desecration of Thacker Pass for corporate greed.”
The Thacker Pass lithium mine has become an international scandal since January of last year, when protests began at the site of the mine. Environmentalists, tribes, and ranchers have filed suit against the proposed mine in federal court, alleging violations of various Federal laws, and calling for Congressional investigations into the matter. The project was “fast-tracked” under the Trump administration.
Chairman Arlan Melendez asks, “How would you feel if your loved ones were massacred in a sacred, prayerful area with no closure to their deaths for the profit of stolen land, and now your sacred ancestral lands being uprooted without proper federal consultation for the profit of the largest lithium mine in America? The consultation process with tribal nations must be adhered to.”
“This is a fight for justice, a fight for the planet, and a fight for what is right,” said Will Falk, an attorney for RSIC. “We need everyone to help us in stopping this desecration.”
SUMMARY OF ATTACHED 7-PAGE LETTER:
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony’s (RSIC) outlined a letter of its perspective of the unprincipled proposed excavations that Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc. (Far Western) is currently undertaking at the Paiute and Shoshone peoples important Traditional Cultural Property, Thacker Pass. These archeological procedures include excavating Native American cultural resources, sacred objects and disturbing the resting place of Paiute ancestors massacred on September 12, 1865 Nevada Calvary.
Thacker Pass Lithium Mine Project (Project) is the nation’s largest and most complex lithium mine. The Project become an international scandal since January of last year, when protests began at the site of the mine. Environmentalists, tribes, and ranchers have filed suit against the proposed mine in federal court, alleging violations of various Federal laws, and calling for Congressional investigations into the matter. The project was “fast-tracked” under the Trump administration.
If we don’t hold federal agencies, mining companies and archeological contractors accountable for their unethical profitable tactics, then we will watch Nevada become waste land and ongoing exploitation of Indigenous people’s culture for future lithium mines. Federal undertakings, including mining projects, must include federally recognized tribes throughout the entire process.
BLM failed to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). BLM did not provide tribes who attach cultural and religious significance to Thacker Pass a reasonable opportunity to identify concerns about Native American cultural sites, advise on the identification and evaluation of traditional religious and cultural importance, articulate views on the Thacker Pass Lithium Mine Project’s effects on these Native American sites, and participate in the resolution of adverse effects as required by the NHPA. BLM and Far Western failed to include in its reports, the September 12, 1865 massacre. There are 100+ documented massacres in the Great Basin from 1864-1868. This is American History. It is Nevada history. The Paiute people are important, not just for the artifacts on and in the ground that may yield information and academic acclaim for archeologists. Taking these artifacts and disturbing burial sites would constitute yet another shameful chapter in a long history of settlers trying to destroy or commit genocide on Native history and culture.
In the letter, the RSIC reminded Far Western of the archeological ethical principles and the Archeological Institute of America’s Code of Professional Standards. The RSIC further reminded Far Western that by excavating Thacker Pass, Far Western will be demonstrating that major contracts, money and academic papers are more important to its organization than approaching archeology in a moral way and respecting federally recognized Tribe’s legitimate concerns of the desecration of its ancestral’ s past life ways including its sacred sites.
The RSIC requested Far Western to take all these objections into consideration and seriously recognize that we need to re-vision the relationship between Archaeology and Indigenous Peoples. Central to this is the need for archeological firms to base its work and science on morality and ethics rather than extraction of fast tracked projects that forever negatively adversely affect Native American ancestors, sacred sites and knowledge. The RSIC requests that Far Western (and any other archeological firm that may be participating in unprincipled excavations) immediately halt the archeological digs and refuse to participate in the desecration of Thacker Pass for corporate greed. Please see attached 7 page RSIC letter in full.
For more information:
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Media Relations, Bethany Sam: 775-842-2902
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Michon Eben: 775-785-1326 ext. 5430
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Attorney, Will Falk: 319-830-6086
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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 1,206 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.
Call RSIC Housing Dept. for more info:
775-785-1300 or email ggrimes@rsic.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Media Phone: 775-842-2902
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to Host a Drive-Thru Collection Site for
“Prescription Drug Take Back Day”
Reno, Nevada (April 8, 2022) — Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Center’s Behavioral Health Department will participate in the April “Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on April 30th. American Indian populations have proven particularly susceptible to the misuse of prescription drugs. This prevention effort is to help mitigate prescription drug abuse.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
“Any drug abuse affects the fabric of the entire community. This is a way for our community to safely dispose of leftover medicines that are languishing in households to divert the misuse or abuse,” Chairman Arlan Melendez stated.
The Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for everyone to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
On April 30, 2022 a drive-thru collection site will be set up at 405 Golden Lane, Reno, NV 89502 from 10:00am-2:00pm for collection of expired or unused prescription medication.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year.
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony has a medication safe disposal drop box located in the pharmacy of the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center. We collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of medication. Syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For more information please contact Vanessa Williams, RSTHC Behavioral Health Prevention Outreach Coordinator, at 775-329-5162 ext. 2009 or email vwilliams@rsicclinic.org or Bethany Sam, RSIC Public Relations, at 775-329-2936 or email bsam@rsic.org.
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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 1,206 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.
For more information or if you have questions, please call 775-329-6114
Reno, Nevada (February 22, 2022) —Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) reveals opening date for 2 tribal cannabis dispensary drive-thru locations. Three Nations Cannabis, owned by RSIC, is opening the drive-thrus only at their dispensaries located in South Reno and Verdi. The South Reno dispensary’s drive-thru will open for business on February 26, 2022 at 1pm and the Verdi dispensary drive-thru will open for business on March 12, 2022 at 1pm. A Grand Opening celebration for both locations TBD for April 2022.
For health and safety reasons concerning the most recent COVID-19 spike, RSIC set back the opening date for Three Nations Cannabis dispensaries from January to February. RSIC is doing their best to balance staff & guest safety and revenue.
Three Nations Cannabis stores are full-service dispensaries. The dispensaries will have the largest selection of products, highest quality, and competitive pricing. Products to include flower, vapes, edibles, pre-rolls, extract, tincture, plus more. There will also be a complete online menu available at www.threenationscannabis.com where customers are able to pre-order for pickup.
The South Reno dispensary is easily located off I-580 (Exit 61) at 11570 South Virginia Street; previously the Infiniti Car Dealership; and the Verdi dispensary is conveniently located off I-80 (Exit 2) at 420 Highway 40 West. Both locations are on tribal land. Both locations are near the tribe’s long-established Tribal Smoke Shop businesses.
Three Nations Cannabis will have a private event exclusively for RSIC Tribal Members who are 21+ years, to do a cultural blessing for the future success of their dispensaries. The blessing also includes a tour of the facilities, cannabis specials, a meet and greet with Three Nations Cannabis Board of Directors, management, employees, and the Colony Enterprise Authority (RSIC Tribal Council), plus more.
The dispensaries are a new income resource that furthers RSIC’s vision to promote and encourage individual spiritual, physical and emotional health to foster a long, abundant, and prosperous life for RSIC Tribal Members. This new income resource is to be utilized to offer Tribal Members an opportunity to improve their lives and enhance tribal values by making community programs, services, and projects available. The cultural blessing for the future success of Three Nations Cannabis is to celebrate this historic moment for RSIC.
“This long awaited accomplishment will lead to increased services for our elders, youth and all tribal members,” Chairman Arlan Melendez stated. “We welcome all our Tribal Members (21+ years) to attend our cultural blessing to celebrate this milestone together. We also look forward to providing a safe customer experience to the general public using our drive-thru service with quality products at the best prices.”
The South Reno dispensary cultural blessing for RSIC Tribal Members (21+ years, must have I.D. to enter building) will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 11am-1pm. The South Reno dispensary drive-thru will then be open to public for sales at 1pm.
The Verdi dispensary cultural blessing for RSIC Tribal Members (21+ years, must have I.D. to enter building) will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 11am-1pm. The Verdi dispensary drive-thru will then be open to the public for sales at 1pm.
Three Nations Cannabis dispensaries are also the 1st dispensaries in the Reno area to include a drive-thru service. With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting all our lives, the drive-thru service demonstrates an emphasis on safety and provides a positive customer experience. This is how RSIC managed to keep the Tribal Smoke Shops open during the height of COVID-19.
RSIC will follow cannabis regulations in compliance with the Cannabis Agreement between the State of Nevada and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony signed on January 29, 2020. NRS 223.250 allows the Governor to enter into an agreement with any federally recognized Indian tribe located within the geographical boundaries of Nevada regarding Cannabis.
“Three Nations Cannabis enhances RSIC’s economic diversification strategy that will create well-paying jobs for both tribal members and the general public,” Chairman Arlan Melendez stated. “It will also help RSIC to invest resources into better elder care, education, health services, housing & infrastructure, language & culture, youth services; the opportunities are infinite.”
For more information, please call Bethany Sam, RSIC Public Relations, at 775-329-2936 or email bsam@rsic.org. If interested in job opportunities, email tnabahe@threenationscannabis.com.
Due to RSIC’s capacity constraints brought on by COVID-19, the Cultural Blessing Ceremony is closed to the general public.
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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 1,206 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.
The Reno Sparks Indian Colony prioritizes the health and safety of the RSIC Tribal membership in the fight against Covid-19. As we continue to mitigate through the ongoing public health emergency, it is imperative to get vaccinated and boosted as a proactive measure to protect our Tribal Community from severe illness and/or death.
As an effort to encourage our members to protect themselves against this virus, the RSIC Tribal Council authorizes a Covid Vaccine and Booster Incentive Program for all eligible RSIC Members, living on or off
the reservation. The Covid Vaccination and Booster Incentive program is authorized, with criteria as set forth below, and will extend to December 31, 2022.
Two types of incentive payments are available to eligible individuals as follows:
Vaccine and Booster Timeline to complete your Vaccination Series
Schedule your COVID-19 Vaccine at Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center! Vaccine Hotline: 775-334-0444.
To claim your prize, contact Reno Recreation Center at 775-329-4930.
Open 7 days, 9am-9pm.
Reno Tickets are Red. Hungry Valley Tickets are Blue. Claim your prize now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Media Phone: 775-842-2902
Reno, Nevada (December 30, 2021) — The Reno Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) is saddened at the passing of former Congressional Senate Leader Harry Reid. “Senator Reid was a good friend and very supportive to Tribes with federal legislation, water settlements, the Nevada Tribal Nations Land Act, Tribal representation on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission to name a few. He will be greatly missed; our condolences to his wife Landra and family.” Chairman Arlan Melendez stated.
Senate Leader Harry Reid appointed Chairman Melendez to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 2005. Senate Leader Harry Reid empowered a voice for Nevada Tribes during his time in office. We are profoundly grateful for his service to Nevada Tribes and particularly to Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. Chairman Melendez issued an order that the US Flag will be flown at half-staff at all RSIC administration buildings in honor of Senator Harry Reid.
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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 1,206 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.