BEVERLY & NORM HARRY
Beverly & Norm Harry have spent a majority of their lives advocating for Indigenous people, and have had the opportunity to work with all 27 tribes in the state of Nevada over the course of their lifetime. The two have spent a good portion of their lives serving as the voice of native people in the Great Basin territory. What has been your involvement with the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day?
What environmental issues have you seen as a concern among native tribes?
My family’s vision has always been to empower native communities. As all of the main indigenous people from the Western Shoshone (Newe), Northern Paiute (Numu), Washoe (Waťiťiw ), Goshutes (Newe), and Southern Nevada (Nuwuvi) become more visible , we strategize continuously to fight against colonialism. We continue to fight for clean air, water and land.
Endangered and threatened species, mining justice, dewatering landscapes, mismanagement of the lands, water pollution, over development, water pipelines, desecration of burial grounds, nuclear waste, and military expansions.
What are some challenges indigenous people have had to fight against within their culture? The challenges that Indigenous communities face to connect with their traditions is the path to survival. Primarily, it is the impacts of colonial structure and practices that brings us to these intersections. Today, I work to broadcast the Native Voice in rural communities where racism and prejudice continues to thrive. I work to build a positive existence with our communities but first working on healing from historical trauma.
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What are some of the main issues indigenous people face? Throughout Nevada, there is a captivating history of indigenous people who have been failed by Western education, we need to celebrate their histories and cultures. Norm and I have worked on water issues as well as mining justice issues together. The challenges that Indigenous communities face to connect with their traditions is the path to survival. Primarily, it is the impacts of colonial structure and practices that brings us to these intersections. Today, I work to broadcast the Native Voice in rural communities where racism and prejudice continues to thrive. I work to build a positive existence with our communities but first working on healing from historical trauma.
Beverly Harry is a Native Community Organizer, a member of the Navajo tribe within the Four Corners Region. She began working with PLAN NV in 2016 during the election and served as a volunteer for previous events. Beverly and Norm were also recently recognized for their contribution to better the community with the CEDI certificate for community advocacy.
