This week, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the launch of the first-ever Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (SATC). Chair Amber Torres, of the Walker River Paiute Tribe in Nevada, was selected as the primary member of the Western Region. Governor Steve Sisolak recommended Chair Torres be selected in May – as did both Nevada Senators, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen – and applauds the Department of Interior’s decision to call on her for a leadership role in this committee.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand Chair Torres’ passion and commitment to her culture and the preservation of her ancestry, teachings and customs and I’m proud to see her leadership and wealth of knowledge will have an even further reach,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “Chair Torres has a record of creating opportunities for Nevada’s Indian population. Her contributions to the Tribal Advisory Committee will continue that mission.”

The STAC will ensure Tribal leaders have direct and consistent contact and communication with the current and future Department of Interior officials to guarantee Tribes across the country have a seat at the table before policies are made that impact their communities. The committee is composed of a primary Tribal representative from each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs Regions and one alternate member from each Region.

“I want to thank the leadership from Nevada for their continued support, to elevate tribal issues and have a strong voice and tribal perspective at the table. I believe that this committee will have good meaningful feedback and intent that will change the future for tribal citizens and tribal governments way of life, for the better,” said Chair Torres. “This committee is long overdue, and I am committed to this new role that I will take on with honor and pride to pave the way for the next seven generations to build on.”

In Nevada, Governor Sisolak and the Nevada Indian Commission are committed to amplifying the voices of our Tribal communities and preserving their history and culture. The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum provides a place for healing for thousands of American Indians affected by federal boarding school policies that removed children from their homelands, family and culture. The Cultural Center & Museum preserves the stories of more than 20,300 Native children from over 200 Tribal Nations who attended the Stewart Indian School from 1890-1980, raises awareness of Nevada’s history and celebrates the culture of our Tribal communities.

On June 15th, 2022 Interior Secretary Deb Haaland made this announcement: