Native American Heritage Month Spotlight on Washoe Tribe Chairman & Veteran Serrell Smokey
Washoe Tribe Chairman, Serrell Smokey, (2019-present). He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno with an educational background in Psychology, Business, and Tribal Law.
Chairman Smokey is a Veteran, serving in the United States Army and the Nevada National Guard. He was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004) and Operation Spartan Shield (2016-2017). Chairman Smokey actively utilizes the leadership skills acquired in the military, to progressively lead the Washoe People.
Chairman Smokey serves many functions, such as: working towards better economic development opportunities, stable administrative functions, and giving Tribes a bigger voice in the Federal Government. “For too long have Tribes been left out, and the government neglected their trust responsibilities”.