First Nation's Focus March 2019

Tribal News of Nevada and the Eastern Sierra | Vol. 3, No. 2

American Indian Culture and History | Feb - Mar 2019

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United Front ont Native women march in Reno for missing and

murdered indigenous women | PAGE 4

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Tribal Legislative Day

A Love For Basketball

An Awesome Opportunity

Tribal leaders from across the state were in Carson City on Feb. 12 for Nevada Tribes Legislative Day

Terae Briggs (Crow Tribe) is setting a shining example on and off the court for the Nevada Wolf Pack

Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe member Jeff Pishion appears on ‘Truck Night in America’

2 | February - March 2019 | First Nation’s Focus

EVENTS CALENDAR Engage with us: Want to advertise in First Nation’s Focus?

Email Bethany Sam at bethany@firstnationsfocus.com, or give her a call at 775-297-1003.

Have questions or ideas about First Nation’s Focus content?

Email Kevin S. MacMillan at kmacmillan@swiftcom.com, or give him a call at 775-850-2145.

Check out First Nation’s Focus online: firstnationsfocus.com facebook.com/firstnationsfocus Want to submit content for an upcoming edition?

Email us at info@firstnationsfocus.com with “First Nation’s Focus” in the subject line.

On the cover:

Tayloure Baker, of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in western North Dakota — which is home to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes — was among hundreds of Native women who took part in the 2019 Women’s March Reno on Jan. 19. Read more on page 4, and go to www.firstnationsfocus.com for a photo gallery from the event.

Photo: Alejandra Rubio

Publisher Rob Galloway Content Coordinator Kevin MacMillan Contributing Writers Jessica Garcia Alejandra Rubio Sales Leader Bethany Sam Graphic Design Lauren Solinger SNMG General Manager Brooke Warner SNMG Editorial Director Adam Trumble

First Nation’s Focus is a product of the Sierra Nevada Media Group (SNMG) and its affiliated media organizations: Nevada Appeal, The Record-Courier, Lahontan Valley News and Northern Nevada Business View.

All content is copyrighted February 2019.

First Nation’s Focus strives for accuracy and is not responsible if event details or other information changes after publication. Unless otherwise indicated, all photography in this publication is property of Swift Communications, the parent company of SNMG and First Nation’s Focus.

580 Mallory Way, Carson City, NV 89701

SPECIAL EVENTS ‘Stewart Indian School - Home of the Braves’ Film Screening — Feb. 27, Pyramid Lake Museum & Visitors Center, Nixon, Nevada. Movie will be shown at 4 p.m.; at 3:30, school alumni will review plans for the new Stewart Indian School Museum in Carson City. Film screening sponsored by the Nevada Indian Commission. Contact Pyramid Lake Museum Director Billie Jean Guerrero at 775-574-1088.

All My Relaytions Fundraiser — March 2, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym, 34 Reservation Road, Reno. Hosted

by Toby Stump. The All My Relaytions (all-Native American) Running Team seeks your help to raise funds for the 15th Annual Reno-Tahoe Odyssey 2019 for entry fee, team/volunteer apparel, safety gear and more. Event includes raffle. For donations/ticket sales, visit PayPal.me/ AMRunTeam or search for the event on Facebook.

Pyramid Lake Blood Drive — March 6, Pyramid Lake Health Center, Nixon, Nevada. Taking place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All donors will be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. To schedule an appointment, contact Tina Nash at tnash@plpt.nsn.us 775-574-1018.

12th Annual Diabetes Health Fair and Powwow — March 23, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Donald W. Reynolds Facility, Reno. Sponsored by Nevada Urban Indians, health fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grand Entry times for the powwow are noon and 5 p.m. Event will feature a drum contest, princess contest and dance contest. Food and vendor information, contact Jonathan at 775-247-5648 or Mike at 775-788-7600. For health fair information, contact Shelby or Brianna at 775-788-7600.

TravelNevada’s Annual Rural Roundup — April 10-12, Fallon, Nevada. Andrew Grossman, Destination Management Specialist for Travel Oregon, will join as a keynote speaker. His session, “Advancing New Tourism Experiences in Rural Destinations,” joins presentations on effective marketing on a budget, grants/programs offered by several state and federal agencies, and other topics. Go to www.ruralroundup.com to register.

BASKETBALL EVENTS 3rd Annual Soboda Braves All-Native +1 Basketball Tournament — March 1-3, Soboba Sports Complex, San Jacinto, California. Eight-man rosters must include 7 Native men,

Submit an event: Do you have event information to submit for potential publication in a future Community Calendar?

Send it to info@firstnationsfocus.com with “First Nation’s Focus” in the subject line.

Please note that some events, locations and details are subject to change after publication; some events may also not be free — contact each respective agency for full details.

plus one non-Native. $375 Entry Fee;. $200 Deposit due by Feb. 21. First place wins $3,000. Contact Jayvier Sandoval at 951-392-0550.

5th Annual Glen Yellowcloud Memorial All Native Basketball Tournament — March 22-24, Mescalero Community Center, Mescalero, New Mexico. 16-team men’s tourney; eight-man rosters must include 7 Native men, plus one non-Native, as well as an 8-team Women’s open roster.

Men’s Entry Fee: $350. Women’s Entry fee: $200. Half down by March 8 require. Contact Jessica Comanche at 575-973-0429 or Kiefer Comanche at 575-973-8580.

RECURRING EVENTS Paiute Language Class — 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays, Wadsworth Community Building, 320 Pyramid St., Wadsworth.

Yoga — 12:10-12:50 p.m., Tuesdays, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Clinic, 1715 Kuenzli St., Reno. Registration isn’t required and all levels are welcome.

Substance Abuse Support Group —6-7 p.m., Tuesdays, Sumunumu Resource Center, 460 W. Main St., Fernley.

Topics discussed include narcotics abuse, alcohol abuse and anger management.

Elder Aquacise — 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Gym, 34 Reservation Road, Reno.

Line Dancing — 5:15-6:15 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Clinic, 1715 Kuenzli St., Reno. For information, call Vanessa at 775-3295162, ext. 1946.

Women’s Circle Craft Night and Potluck — 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 101 Big Bend Ranch Road, Wadsworth.

Language Classes for Seniors — 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Senior Center, 34 Reservation Road, Building F. Victim Services Program Women’s Advisory Committee — 5-6:30 p.m., second Wednesday of the month, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 101 Big Bend Ranch Road, Wadsworth.

Scrapbooking for Beginners — 5-6:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 101 Big Bend Ranch Road, Wadsworth. Call 775-575-9444.

Teen Dating Violence Support Group — 5:45-6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 101 Big Bend Ranch Road, Wadsworth.

Suicide Prevention Network – Suicide Loss Support Group — 6-7:30 p.m. every first Thursday of the month, 1625 Highway 88, Suite 203, Minden. For information, call 775-783-1510.

Weekly Teen Parenting Class — 6-7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sumunumu Resource Center, 460 W. Main St., Fernley.

Nuumu Yadoha Language Classes — 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursdays. Sponsored by the Bishop Paiute Tribe, the classes are held weekly. Contact the tribal office for location and other details: 760-873-3584.

Art Classes —10-11 a.m. Fridays, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Clinic, 1715 Kuenzli St., Reno.

Weekly Community Market — 5 p.m.-dusk, Thursdays, Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center 2300, W. Line St., Bishop, Calif.

Spartan Training — 5 p.m., Fridays, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Health Clinic, 1715 Kuenzli St., Reno.

Strength, agility and endurance training. For information, call Vanessa at 775-329-5162, ext. 1946.

Thousands of Years of History, Living in the Present — Planning for the Future.

For information on our community, culture, departments, business opportunities and service, contact Stacey Montooth (Public Relations, Community Information Officer) at 775-329-2936 x3268

Three Tribes, One Nation.

The people that inhabited the Great Basin since time immemorial were the Numu (Paiute), the Washeshu (Washoe) and the Newe (Shoshone). In each language these names meant “the People”. The People recognized and continue to acknowledge their very special place on Earth and within the life cycles.

Reno Sparks Indian Colony | 34 Reservation Road, Reno, NV | www.rsic.org

First Nation’s Focus | February - March 2019

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Native leaders convene in Carson City

By Jessica Garcia | First Nation’s Focus

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call to unity while celebrating tribal differences was the theme of this year’s Nevada Tribes Legislative Day at the Nevada State Capitol.

Some tribal leaders traveled far — including the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Yerington Paiute Tribe and Duckwater Shoshone Tribe, among others — for the Feb. 12 event in Carson City to witness the activities and bring awareness to local or statewide issues at stake in the current session at the Nevada Legislature.

Sherry Rupert, executive director of the Nevada Indian Commission, overseeing the festivities, said it’s important for tribal members to take part in the biennial event, which she helped establish during the 2013 session to acknowledge Native Americans’ contributions to Nevada.

“We’re not only tribal members, but we are citizens of Nevada, so we should be aware of what’s happening here,” Rupert said.

The welcome in the morning included an invocation, posting of the colors and an honor song from various tribal members.

Rupert introduced Washoe Tribe chairman Serrell Smokey, who recently was elected to the seat.

He spoke of a vision of occupying more than just Room 3100 on the

Yerington Paiute Tribe chairman Laurie Thom speaks about proposed legislation she and Assemblywoman Sarah Peters are working on during the afternoon session on Feb. 12 at Nevada Tribes Legislative Day at the Nevada Legislative Building.

Photo: Jessica Garcia

building’s third floor — but sitting in the auditorium downstairs full of Native members and expanding on greater plans for tribal harmony.

“We’ve been going astray,” Smokey said. “We’re trying to do the best we can for our own people. Us as tribal leaders, that’s what we do, that’s our No. 1 focus, but we’re all in this together. A lot of things that have happened affect us all of us in the same exact way.”

Smokey said he and other leaders recently met with Gov. Steve Sisolak to discuss the impact of the federal government shutdown on Native Americans. If everyone worked collectively, he noted, more powerful results could be achieved. “…Everyone’s bumping shoulders (in Washington, D.C.) trying to get their way in the door to talk, to get their way for their people,” Smokey said. “If we did that together, there’d be no stopping us. … We’re different

tribes, we have different people, we have different languages — but we’re all the same.”

The event also provided an opportunity for state legislators to interact with tribal committees, groups, schools and individuals during the session.

Elders Aletha Tom of the Moapa Band of Paiutes and Dinah Pete of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California led the invocations for the Feb. 12 Senate and Assembly floor sessions.

Pete’s granddaughter, Adrianne Jim, 10, a student of CC Meneley Elementary School who was crowned Little Miss Washoe at the Dresslerville Washoe Colony Center in Gardnerville in 2017, accompanied her during the prayer.

During the Assembly session, various members introduced students from the Pyramid Lake Junior/ Senior High School, including

senior Gabriel Frazier, who sat with Assemblywoman Alexis Hansen, R-Sparks. Hansen mentioned Frazier’s interest in the automotive trade when he graduates.

“We’re always looking for good, honest mechanics, and he enjoys hunting in his spare time with his grandfather,” Hansen shared.

After a lunch in the afternoon, Rupert introduced several other members who spoke about various issues impacting the Native American community, including Yerington Paiute Tribe chairwoman Laurie Thom. She’s working on legislation with Assemblywoman Sarah Peters and Assemblyman Edgar Flores to put together two key bills affecting tribes, including the Nevada Tribal Consultation Act and a bill that would have all 27 of Nevada’s tribal flags displayed in the Legislative Building.

The Nevada Tribal Consultation Act would require state agencies to consult and liaise with tribes in making state and land decisions.

Thom said the act is meant to avoid situations such as what happened with the Anaconda Mine near Yerington in February 2018, when Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt signed a deferral agreement to clean up the site — and the Paiute had only learned about the visit only days before.

For Thom, being a part of the Legislature’s activities was very memorable from a personal

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standpoint. She, too, had been introduced during the Assembly session

by Peters on the floor. Thom’s mother has worked for the Assembly as a state historian.

“It was special that Sarah Peters introduced me,” She said. “She’s been our consultant … and she told everyone that being a female leader, a woman leader gave her that incentive to go forward and become an Assemblywoman, and I was real proud of that and for our tribal leaders.

“Today, I loved seeing all the tribal leaders here. This is our day and this is our house.”

Later in the day, participants were offered a chance to take a guided tour of the Stewart Indian School.

Legislation also is being proposed this session to ensure fees and revenues coming from temporary use of the lands and buildings from the school will be returned to its preservation instead of the state’s general fund, Rupert said, and the tribes also want to keep an eye on other taxation and educational issues as they arise this session.

Rupert said she was pleased by the outcome, calling it a “celebratory day.”

“When our legislators see us here at the table testifying in their hearings one after another and show them how important that water and land are to us, it’s another important part of why this day needs to exist,” she said. O

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4 | February - March 2019 | First Nation’s Focus

Native women led the Women’s March Reno this year while solemnly holding a “Together We Will Rise” banner.

Photos: Alejandra Rubio

Native women lead 2019 Women’s March Reno Alejandra Rubio | First Nation’s Focus

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or the third consecutive year, members of Great Basin Native American Tribes and other Indigenous nations led the third annual Women’s March Reno on Saturday, Jan. 19.

As many as 5,000 people took part in the 2019 march, which was led by a strong contingent of Native American women who wore carefully hand-made, bold red attire — the color of love, and the color of passion — to serve as a prominent reminder that the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women continues.

“This is important as an indigenous woman and as a leader in my community,” said Robin M. Eagle, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Council Treasurer, one of the many Native women who attended and helped carry the “Together We Will Rise” banner. “It is also important for me to show my children that we don’t always get everything that we want, but we can fight for everything what we want.”

When asked what she wants to see happen for future women’s marches, she said: “I’m hoping that we get bigger, better and stronger. Also, that we can spread the word and hopefully get more

male supporters.”

Laurie A. Thom, chairwoman of the Yerington Paiute Tribe, also attended the Jan. 19 march.

When asked why she felt the event was important for Nevada’s Native community, she said it’s because she can “see all our sisters come together and stand up to become stronger for each other and for our land and water.”

As they did for the 2018 march a year ago, several Native jingle dancers — moms, daughters, grandmas, sisters and friends — also took part in the march. New this year, The Mankillers, an all-woman Native American drum group, also performed.

Dr. Debra Harry, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and a lecturer for the University of Nevada’s Gender, Race, and Identify Program, was one of the featured speakers for the march.

Go to womensmarchreno.org to learn more about the annual event; go to www.firstnationsfocus.com to see a full photo gallery from the march. O Alejandra Rubio (Yavapai-Apache) is a contributing photographer/writer to First Nation’s Focus.

From left, Robin M. Eagle, Reno Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Council Treasurer; Laurie A. Thom, chairwoman for the Yerington Paiute Tribe; and Lawana Martinez, a member of the Pit River Modoc Tribe who lives in Reno, were among those marching on Jan. 19.

Berdina Burns (Yerington Paiute Tribe), age 85, holds a historic photo of her grandfather, medicine man Jack “ Wovoka” Wilson, along with other Native elders, while her daughter Brenda Burns (Washoe Paiute Tribe) looks on during the Jan. 19 march.

First Nation’s Focus | February - March 2019

|5

A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL

Terae Briggs (Crow Tribe) excels on the court, in the classroom and as a community leader Kaleb M. Roedel

Special First Nation’s Focus

A

few years ago, Terae Briggs, then a freshman forward at United Tribes Technical College located in the heart of North Dakota, was sitting in class when her cellphone buzzed.

It was, curiously, a Nevada number.

Briggs arched an eyebrow at the seemingly random digits and answered, despite expecting a telemarketer on the other end.

Indeed, it was someone trying to sell Briggs something — just not what she expected.

The call was from then-Nevada women’s basketball coach Jane Albright, who was trying to sell Briggs on the idea of a new future as a student-athlete at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Instantly, Briggs was sold.

“Once I got the phone call, I was like, ‘I’m coming!’” Briggs said in an interview with First Nation’s Focus.

At the time, Briggs was coming of a freshman season in which she averaged 22.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, earning her NJCAA Division II second team all-American honors. “(Coach Albright) was telling me all the details and I was like, ‘yes, yes, yes!’ She got me here, I went on an official visit, I signed right away,” she continued.

Three years later, Briggs, now a senior forward for Nevada, is in authoring the best season of her Wolf Pack career. As of Feb. 15, she leads Nevada in rebounding (8.0), field goal percentage (.527), steals (37) and blocks (20) and is second on the team in scoring (14.6). Moreover, she has racked up a team-leading eight double-doubles, which ranks second in the Mountain West and 35th in the nation.

SHAPED BY HER TRIBE Yet, prior to that fateful phone call, Briggs didn’t think playing NCAA Division I basketball was an option.

Growing up on the Crow Indian Reservation in Pryor, Montana — a dot of a town with a population of about 600 — Briggs was accustomed to being part of a small Native community amid family and friends. It

was a comfort zone Briggs, a member of the Crow Tribe, expected to stay settled in through college and beyond.

“I didn’t think I was good enough to play at this level,” Briggs said of playing Division I basketball. “When I was in high school, I decided I still wanted to play basketball (in college) but I was like, I don’t think I’ll go to any big schools, so a junior college would be perfect for me. And I thought I would just play two years and get my associate (degree) and be done.”

Briggs, who will receive a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UNR in May, said her upbringing on the Crow Reservation helped shape her into the basketball player — and person — that she is today.

“Growing up on a reservation, I was able to play outside, play basketball, all of the time,” said Briggs, who went to a high school of 50 students. “You knew everybody, and everybody came and cheered for you.”

Briggs said she was constantly encouraged by her family to continue working at basketball and pursue a college career. Her grandparents, who raised her, were especially instrumental in instilling her with confidence, she added.

“My grandpa is funny, he always tells me, ‘OK, you need to rebound more, play defense more,’” Briggs laughed. “Everyone (in my family) just kind of coaches me. They are big influences.”

In early December, Briggs got the opportunity to play in front of her “family of coaches” when Nevada played in a tournament in Missoula, Montana, roughly 370 miles from her hometown of Pryor.

“They had a little cheering section,” said Briggs, flashing a smile. “They were just so loud. It was so cool — it reminded me of when I was in high school.”

A NEW ROLE

As a senior for the Wolf Pack, Briggs said she has embraced not only being a leader for her teammates, but also a role model for the native youth back on the Crow Reservation. She said she even occasionally gets messages on social media from kids asking her for advice.

Notably, Briggs has been

Nevada forward Terae Briggs grew up playing basketball on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana.

named the Wolf Pack Student-Athlete of the Week three times this season. In the Mountain West opener at Utah State, she poured in a career-high 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

“A lot of native kids from back home really look up to me,” Briggs said. “I didn’t really think of myself as a role model before. But I personally don’t really know a lot of native women that played D-I (basketball) from my tribe.”

Second-year Nevada women’s basketball coach Amanda Levens said Briggs is certainly making her tribe, and the greater native community, proud.

“I think Terae is just another player that the community can really have as a point of pride,” Coach Levens said. “She’s such a great role model for boys and girls in a community that loves basketball. She’s such a self-made player; she’s really worked hard.”

ON THE HORIZON

After wrapping up her final season for the Wolf Pack and graduating from UNR, Briggs said she wants to continue a career on the hardwood. She plans to play professionally overseas.

Coach Levens said if Briggs “keeps doing what she’s doing,” she could make that a reality.

“I think the biggest shift has been her confidence in herself and just trusting how good she really is,” Levens said. “She definitely has the tools.”

Off the court, Briggs said she wants to give back to her native community, whether it’s by holding a basketball clinic or speaking in the schools of her hometown.

“When I was in grade school and high school,” Briggs said. “I wanted people to talk to us about (playing college sports), so you can start to have these goals.” O

Terae Briggs rises for a shot during a home game against Texas Tech earlier this season.

Photos: Courtesy Nevada Athletics

6 | February - March 2019 | First Nation’s Focus

Supporting the First Nation’s Focus mission Bethany Sam

First Nation’s Focus

Manah-who. Ee Nanee-en-nah Bethany Sam. Nuh Hunkpapa Dakota, Kuiza-tikaah Numa, Wašiw, Chee-Pawn-nee’e.

— Kuiza-tika-ah Lee Vining Paiute Language.

H

ello. My name is Bethany Sam. I’m Hunkpapa Dakota Sioux, Kuiza-tika-ah Lee Vining Paiute, Washoe and Mexican.

I’m an enrolled tribal member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. However, I’m originally from Coleville, California. Professionally, I’m a Business Development Manager with 6 years marketing and advertising experience.

I’m also the innovator of First Nation’s Focus, a Sierra Nevada Media Group publication that is a monthly tribal news magazine focusing on the state of Nevada and Eastern Sierra, with the hopes of going national as soon as possible.

After a brief leave of absence, I’m excited to announce I’ve rejoined SNMG as an independent business development contractor to continue the dream of improving positive awareness of Native American/American Indian culture to the world.

First Nation’s Focus is OUR media outlet, OUR voice to share a great deal of positive knowledge, unknown history and unique opportunities with ALL communities — Native and Non-Native. The overall mission of the First Peoples’/First Nations’ of Turtle Island (North America) should be to reclaim our identity and

create unity once again.

Marketing is the key to our mission, by using owned media and paid media collectively. Mission-driven marketing not only sells products or services; it educates, sparks discussions and makes an impact on its audience, all with intention and purpose.

Marketing is defined by the American Marketing Association as “the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.”

Owned media is the content you’re in full control of; company website/ literature, your blog and social media accounts. Paid media refers to external marketing efforts that involve a paid placement. This includes digital, print, video, social, radio, billboards, promotional events, TV advertising, etc. … across traditional and new mediums.

In terms of print, First Nation’s Focus has FREE distribution of 18,000 print copies to all 27 Nevada Tribes and six Eastern Sierra Tribes, plus their tribal businesses/enterprises; and is inserted each month on the third or fourth

Saturday into the Nevada Appeal and Record Courier newspapers — thus allowing for outreach to non-native communities.

All of this equates to an average print readership of about 55,000 people monthly.

We also publish news and advertisements online at www.firstnationsfocus.com, where we record thousands of page views each month. Plus, you can follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ firstnationsfocus.

Today, I propose you an opportunity to help improve positive awareness of Native American/American Indian culture to the world through First Nation’s Focus. I would like to assist you with advertising, marketing, design, editorial content, digital media, ecommerce, printing, social media and video.

By promoting your tribe/business/ brand in First Nation’s Focus, not only do you showcase yourself to an audience of 55,000 readers, you also help support OUR mission. Page count/editorial content, distribution, website/graphic design, sponsored promotions and employee costs are all dictated by advertising revenue.

“By promoting your tribe/business/ brand in First Nation’s Focus, not only do you showcase yourself to an audience of 55,000 readers, you also help support OUR mission.”

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Thank you for your time. I look forward to connecting with you.

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First Nation’s Focus | February - March 2019

‘Opportunity of a lifetime’ Fallon’s Jeff Pishion (Paiute Shoshone) appears on History Channel’s ‘Truck Night In America’

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Art in the Yurt

Fallon’s Jeff Pishion appeared on the Feb. 7 episode of the History Channel’s “Truck Night in America” to compete against four other drivers.

Courtesy Photo

few days later, he received a call.

“I Skyped an interview with some of the producers,” Pishion recalled.

He said his interview was then edited, and his application promoted.

“Out of the blue, I got a call asking me if I wanted to do this,” he said.

At the end of August, Pishion spent three-and-a-half days competing in the heat and humidity of Georgia.

Naturally, Pishion wouldn’t reveal the outcome of his competition against the four other drivers. Nevertheless, Pishion said being on the program was an experience he will never forget.

“This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and I would like others to know that anything is possible when you follow your dreams,” he said. O

More online

Go to www.history.com/shows/truck-night-inamerica to learn more about Truck Night in America on the History Channel and to view Pishion’s episode (subscription required).

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Apply in perso on or at indeed.co om

593 E. Prater Wayy, Sparks, NV 775.376.8200

Wage: $10.40 (FT)

GROUNDS MANAGER Wage: $13.94 (FT)

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

To Inquire, contact HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR TERI BRENNEIS DIRECT # 775-783-0265 FAX: 775-627-9022

3120 US Highway 50 East, V Carson City, NV 775.882.8400

www.firehousesubs.com

Military policeman Serrell Smokey new Washoe Tribe chair Special to First Nation’s Focus

By Steve Ranson | Special to First Nation’s Focus

allon’s Jeff Pishion said his dream to appear on a national television show has come true.

Pishion, a longtime mechanic with Fallon Ford-Toyota and a member of the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe, was selected last year to appear on the History Channel’s “Truck Night In America” that originates from Atlanta.

“I have been involved in local mud racing for years, and I would love to get the word out of my appearance on the show,” said Pishion, who has been a mechanic with the dealership for 15 years.

The program’s second season debuted Jan. 31, and Pishion’s episode, the second of the season, aired on Feb. 7.

Each episode features five drivers in their personal customized trucks and Jeeps facing each other in three challenges that test each vehicle’s speed, strength and handling.

“Between each challenge competitors demonstrate their craftsmanship by re-engineering their trucks for the next round,” according to the show’s website. “The last two finalists standing then take on a three-mile, truck killing obstacle course known as ‘The Green Hell,’ which challenges trucks and drivers to fly off jumps, climb a mountain of crushed cars, and tear through a snake-infested swamp. Five trucks will enter to compete, but only one can win and take home the prize money and the title of ‘Truck Night Champion.’”

Pishion drove his 1977 Plymouth Trail Buster in the competition. Last summer, Pishion flew to Atlanta where he competed against four other drivers. The program also ships the contestants’ vehicles to Georgia.

“I used my mud bog truck,” Pishion said. “I compete in obstacles to test the truck’s strength and ability to power.”

Working on his Plymouth has been a labor of love for Pishion, who grew up in Fallon and was a member of Churchill County High School’s Class of 1992.

Pishion said he has worked and tinkered with his truck for 15 years, laughingly referring to time with his Plymouth as being with his mistress. It was his relationship with his truck and mud bogging that led him to contact “Truck Night In America.”

Pishion said he sent a letter to the program in April, and a

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Wage: $13.27 to $14.63 (FT)

BROWNFIELDS COORDINATOR Wage: $13.27 (FT)

All positions open until filled

Serrell Smokey, an active member of the Nevada National Guard’s Military Police who grew up in the Carson Valley, was recently elected as the new chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Smokey’s military career began as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He served during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 200304 then served a second deployment in the Middle East during Operation Spartan Shield in 2016-17 with the Military Police.

Smokey is a 2001 graduate of Douglas High School. He attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, then later obtained an associate degree in Business Management from Western Nevada College.

He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Tribal leadership runs on both sides of Mr. Smokey’s family. He follows in the footsteps of his paternal grandfather, Carnegie Smokey Sr., and great-grandfather, William Smokey, both past

Serrell Smokey was recently sworn in as new chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.

Courtesy Photo

chairmen of the Washoe Tribe. Further, his maternal great-grandfather, Ted James Sr., and great-uncle, Alvin James, are both past chairmen of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

Mr. Smokey was raised in the Dresslerville community, where he currently resides. He is the son of Eric Smokey and Lori Pasqua and the grandson of the late Flora Smokey and Carnegie Smokey Sr. as well as Lana Hicks and Eugene Pasqua.

Smokey was elected to the position of chair of the Washoe Tribe in October; he and other 2019 officers were sworn in in December.

Go to www.washoetribe. us to learn more about the Washoe Tribe. O

BISHOP PAIUTE TRIBE Moving Forward Respecting Traditions & Honoring Our Past MULTIPLE JOB

OPPORTUNITIES To view ALL Open Job Positions, go to

www.bishoppaiutetribe.com and click Job Opportunities.

Our Core Values are integrity, professionalism, creativity and involvement, and we strive to treat others with respect, fairness, compassion and encouragement.

About Bishop, CA – A friendly town with World renown scenery, unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities and a lively rural culture. A playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, from world class trout fishing to rock climbing, hiking to OHV touring, wildlife viewing to horseback riding. 4 hours drive North of Los Angeles, CA, 4 hours South of Reno, NV, and 5 hours Northwest of Las Vegas, NV. To Apply: Go to www.bishoppaiutetribe.com; Contact HR Office at 760-873-3584; or in person @ 50 Tu Su Lane, Bishop, CA. Indian Preference: Native American Indian preference shall apply pursuant to the Bishop Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance No. 1992-01 (as amended on June 28, 2012) and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (24 U.S.C. 450, et seq,), 25 CFR 271.44 and other relevant laws.

Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision Coverage, Life and MORE!

Three Tribes, One Nation Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Open Positions

OPEN POS SITION SI NS N S EMS MANAGER Regular Full-Time, Non-Exempt – Rate of Pay: $23.94/Hour (Trainee Rate: $15.79/Hr)

CLINIC SUPERVISOR Full-Time, Exempt – Rate of Pay: DOE

Education Department:

Tribal Health Center

Washoe Language Instructor Headstart Bus Driver/ Classroom Assistant

Project Coordinator/ Clinical Program Planner

Head Start Aide- Reno, Nv (Head Start)

Nurse Practitioner/ Physician Assistant

Certified Educator- Hungry Valley, Nv (Seasonal)

Physician

Miscellaneous Departments:

Business Office Manager

Retail Clerk (Smoke Shop Iv)

Physician-Family

IT Technician I (IT Dept.)

Psychiatrist

General Ledger Accountant (Finance)

Physician Pediatrician

Tribal Court Bailiff (Tribal Court) Fund Development Coordinator (Tribal Administrator-Budget)

Nurse Practioner/Physician Assistant – 2 Positions

FOR PAY RATES, MORE INFO, & APPLICATION: www.rsic.org Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, 34 Reservation Road, Reno, NV HR Dept: 775-785-1303 PLEASE NOTE: HIRING PREFERENCE WILL BE PROVIDED TO QUALIFIED MEMBERS OF THE RENO-SPARKS INDIAN COLONY FOLLOWED BY MEMBERS OF OTHER FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES. Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 U.S. Code Section 472 and 473). However, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony is an Equal Opportunity Employer and qualified candidates will be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 703 (I) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, amended in 1991.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS Volunteer – Rate of Pay: Stipend $100 per day

MOBILE INTENSIVE CARE PARAMEDIC

Fort McDermitt

Volunteer – Rate of Pay: Stipend

AMBULANCE DRIVER

WELLNESS CENTER

Volunteer – Stipend

PURCHASED REFERRED CARE (PRC) ASSISTANT Full-time, Non-exempt – $12.79/hour

BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Full-time, exempt – $49,765/ year

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER Full-Time, Non-exempt – $28.95/Hr

FIRST RESPONDER On-call – Rate of Pay: $11.52/hr

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR Full-Time – Rate of Pay: $21.66 hr

SECURITY OFFICER Full-Time, Non-exempt – $14.11/Hr DOE

TRANSPORTATION SUPERVISOR Full-Time, Non-exempt – $15.79-$17.60/Hr DOE

DEPUTY HEALTH DIRECTOR Full-Time, Non-exempt – $23.93-$29.88/Hr DOE

DENTIST Full-Time, Non-exempt – DOE/Contractual

Application process: Applicant must complete a Fort McDermitt Wellness Center employment application. A resume detailing professional experience, education and letters of reference may be included. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of an employment application.

Applications may be obtained from:

Fort McDermitt Wellness Center PO Box 315 McDermitt, Nevada 89421 Phone (775) 532-8522 Fax (775) 532-8024 Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Native American candidates.We are an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered in accordance with the provision in Section 703(1) of title VI of the civil Rights Code of 1964, amended in 1994.

Owyhee Community Health Facility https://shopaitribes.org/spt/

1036 Idaho State Highway 51, Owyhee County, ID 83604

Clinical Application Coordinator/IT Specialist

Responsible for the installation, daily operation, and maintenance including problem resolution for multi-user and personal computer systems. Includes coordination and consultation on all ADP/MIS issues such as office automation, telecommunication and security, including PC user support, Resource Patient Management System (RPMS), Electronic Health Record (EHR), all network connections, servers and necessary data and voice lines. Requires specific related training and experience in support of healthcare IT, preferably with BS degree and experience with RPMS/EHR.

Quality Assurance/Risk Manager/Director

Serves as Quality Assurance/Accreditation leader. Creates and applies effective quality assurance programs, policies & procedures that promote and support high quality and continuous improvement in OCHF’s complete health care, behavioral health, dental, clinical and administrative support services, consistent with industry and accreditation standards and best practices. Bachelor’s Degree in a health related field and three to five years of experience in quality assurance/improvement, risk management, and/or accreditation such as AAAHC, TJC, etc. preferred.

Substance Abuse Counselor/Clinical Supervisor

Full-time, Part-time, Must be Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), Must be billable under Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Relocation Assistance and Tuition Repayment Available Provides substance abuse counseling and clinical supervision, education, after-care and prevention services to at-risk population. Collaborates with other Behavioral Health staff and medical providers in outpatient setting to provide integrated, whole person care. Monitors program services and administers policies and procedures for the substance abuse program. May contribute to grants, program evaluation, and collaboration with other organizations.

Billing Manager

This position is responsible for the direction, administration, planning, supervision and evaluation of the Billing Department. The incumbent will ensure that the Billing Department works in conjunction with the OCHF organization to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives. The function of the Billing Department is to facilitate an efficient billing process, ensure timely billing with revenue resources and keep updated with national policies and billing practices. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree preferred, and medical billing and supervisory experience required.

Public/Community Health Nurse

Relocation Assistance, and Tuition Repayment Available Provides nursing services to individuals, families, groups and the community at large. Nursing interventions are directed towards the goals of prevention, assessment, risk reduction and health improvement. Under the general direction of the Nursing Administrator, utilizes the nursing process to assess and identify community needs, analyze data, plan interventions, implement, and then evaluate the outcome. Provided direct patient nursing care. Supervises another nurse and two nursing assistants. Requires RN, with BSN and/or MPH preferred.

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Performs a wide range of clinical laboratory tests per requests by medical staff for use in clinical diagnosis, patient screening, monitoring and other purposes. Includes standardized procedures in accordance with established methodology and protocols. Makes minor adjustments to adapt or modify established guides to specific situations. Coordinates with laboratory consultant and provides periodic reviews for quality assurance. Maintains proper service and calibration of instruments, administers service agreements, and orders supplies. Prepares annual budget and manages to laboratory budget.

Communicates well with medical providers, patients and administrators to provide excellent customer service. Maintains knowledge of laboratory standards and best practices. Supervises phlebotomist/lab tech.

Emergency Medical Technician

Responding to call from the dispatcher, drives or rides with ambulance to emergency site using most expeditious route and ensuring safety. Positions ambulance in a safe location, performs scene size-up, determines mechanism of injury or illness and number of patients, performing triage and extrication as needed. Calls for additional response, air or ground, if needed. Assessing patient(s)’ status, establishes priority and provides appropriate emergency care; may administer intravenous drugs or fluid replacement as directed by physician. Determines facility and transports patient to higher level of care while continuing care as medically indicated or directed and teaming with partner. Maintains proper condition of ambulance units and EMS department at facility.

Engages in continuing professional development. Must have current Nevada EMT and a valid driver’s license.

Health Information Manager

Manages systems for acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and paper medical information vital to providing quality patient care. Ensures patients’ health information and records are complete, accurate, and accessible to responsible patient care staff, and protected for patient privacy. Performs or assists in performing analysis of data for community and population health. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management with supervisory and related experience required, RHIT or RHIA certification preferred or must obtain within one year.

Chief Financial Officer

As a key member of the Executive Management Team, the Chief Financial Officer will report to the Chief Executive Officer and Business Council and assume a strategic role in the overall management of the Tribe. The Chief Financial Officer will have primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities of the Tribe. This will include direct responsibility for: Accounting, Finance, Forecasting, Strategic Planning, Legal, Property Management, Contract Analysis and Negotiations, Banking, investing and Grant/Contract Management. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent required. MBA and/or CPA desirable.

Tribal Administrator

Shall be responsible for monitoring and carrying out the administrative functions of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Programs. Has direct supervisory responsibility over all programs under the Tribal Program Division. Plan and carry out grant processes. Responsible to insure compliance with Tribes’ adopted management manuals and policies and other applicable Federal guidelines in the administration of Grants and Contracts. Effectively communicates with representatives of Federal and State agencies as necessary in the administration of Grants and Contracts. Responsible for the supervision and monitoring of the progress of program objectives as specified in Grants and Contracts. Oversees status of Contracts and Grants and other major program activities and problems. Have knowledge of operations of BIA Self-Governance Programs. Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or a related field.

Social Worker

Under the direct supervision of the Tribal Administrator the incumbent will assist with the Social Services for Tribal, public, and voluntary organizations providing services in the Child Welfare, Foster Care and Adult Custodial Care fields to individual children, families, groups and community members.

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or 6-8 years of equivalent experience in the field of child welfare.

Native Connections Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Will work out of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes (SPT) Administrative offices and work under the direction of the Native Connections Project Director and Tribal Court Administrator to assist in developing the following: Community Readiness/Needs Assessment, Community Resource / Asset Map. Assist in the assessment, planning and implementing of Policies & Procedures to promote coordination, Developing a Tribal Action Plan w/ tiers of prevention & intervention, Act as a key-worker and cooperate with multi-disciplinary teams, Revision of protocols for Youth at-risk of Suicide, Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders, Community Systems Analysis, Deliver direct social services to the members of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and residents of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation as part of the Native Connections Project Grant. Bachelor, Science or Arts in Social Work, or possess licensure as a Clinical Social Worker, Master’s Degree preferred.

FOR APPLICATION, GO TO: www.shopaitribes.org/sphr/job-postings.html Please Include: Cover Letter, Salary History and/or Expectations, Resume, ShoPai Tribe’s Application and Copy of Any License/Certification

email: hr@shopai.org Ph: 208.759.3100 Ext.1224 or 1236 Fx: 888.476.7269

Preference for filling vacancies will be given to qualified Indian Applicants in accordance with Indian Preference Act (Title 25 U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). However, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 703 (I) of the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.