Stewart Indian School Cultural Center Grand Opening Postponed, Father’s Day Powwow Cancelled Due to Global Crisis
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center Grand Opening Postponed,
Father’s Day Powwow Cancelled Due to Global Crisis
CARSON CITY, Nevada – (March 24, 2020) Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of elders and all community members, today the Nevada Indian Commission announced the postponement of the grand opening of the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, as well as the cancellation of the 2020 Stewart Father’s Day Powwow.
“During these uncertain times, we cannot risk the wellbeing of our elders, nor any participant or spectator,” said Stacey Montooth, executive director of the Nevada Indian Commission. “Our grand opening will be held at a later date. Since 2002, Native American dancers, singers, artists, and on-lookers have helped build our annual powwow to be one of the most popular cultural gatherings in Northern Nevada. However, because of COVID-19, we must cancel.”
Montooth said that the Nevada Indian Commission is issuing full refunds to pre-paid vendors and looks forward to orchestrating the biggest, best powwow in 2021. For questions about the powwow or the vendor refunds, please contact Sari Nicholas, at 775-687-7603 or email at [email protected].
The Nevada Indian Commission, which has been closed to the public since Governor Steve Sisolak’s directive on March 12, will work with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and other partners to determine when it is safe to hold the Cultural Center Grand Opening.
“Again, the safety of our people comes first,” Montooth said.
Opened to the public in January, the Cultural Center & Museum occupies what was once the school’s administrative building. Stewart Indian School was operated by the federal government for 90 years to forcefully educate Native American children. This assimilation policy impacted thousands of Native students not only from the Great Basin tribal nations, but over 200 tribes over the school’s
90-year history.
Currently, visitors can still use the guide by cellphone audio tour. This walking tour allows guests to view the spectacular physical site and to learn from alumni about their experience at the boarding school. These firsthand accounts are also available at: stewartindianschool.com/walking-trail/.
For more information about the postponement of the grand opening of the cultural center, or about the cancellation of the powwow, please contact Bobbi Rahder, Museum Director, at 775-687-7606 or e-mail at [email protected] . and Sari Nicholas, at 775-687-7603 or email at [email protected] , respectively.