Language & Culture

MISSION

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony’s Language & Culture Program’s mission is to help community members develop a positive cultural identity by learning their Great Basin languages and cultures (Numu (Paiute), Newe (Shoshone) and Washeshu (Washo).

To view Our Languages Are Beautiful video, click here:  RSIC.mov

To view video about language revitalization in school, click here:
Washoe County School District Paiute Classes

Senior Language Classes – Wednesdays – 12:30 p.m. – RSIC Senior Center
The Language & Culture and Senior Programs have collaborated to offer beginner level lessons on a weekly basis at the Senior Center.  

Monthly Cultural Activities
Each month the Language & Culture Program plans culturally centered activities for the community.

Indian Day Celebration – Fourth Friday in September
To recognize Nevada’s state recognized Native American Day, each year the planning committee lines up a family friendly evening of cultural pride, food and laughter.

Native American Heritage Month – November
In celebration of National Native American Heritage month, the program will schedule one event each week to share, teach and offer cultural information.

Language & Culture Staff
Stacey Burns, Coordinator
401 Golden Lane
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 785-1321
Fax:   (775) 785-8767
Email: sburns@rsic.org

Macario Mendoza, Program Assistant
401 Golden Lane
Reno, NV 89502
Office (775) 785-1321
Fax ( 775) 785-8767
Email: mmendoza@rsic.org

Jenni Burns, Language Specialist
401 Golden Lane
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 785-1321
Fax:   (775) 785-8767
Email:  jburns@rsic.org

Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Language & Culture Advisory Board (RSIC-LCAB)The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony’s Language and Culture Advisory Board (RSIC-LCAB) will serve the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony by preserving, protecting and promoting the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe languages and cultures.

The RSIC-LCAB consists of five board seats – all serving two-year terms.

For a complete listing of all the month’s Language & Culture Program events, please call  (775) 785-1321.