Hi, Nevadans!

We’re halfway through Native American Heritage Month, so I’m bringing back this piece highlighting some of Nevada’s tribal communities and groups working to preserve Indigenous history. 

And as we get closer to the holidays, and if you’re like me and do a lot of your shopping during Black Friday, make sure you keep in mind our local entrepreneurs and small businesses. There’s nothing more Nevadan than supporting other Nevadans. 💜

Have a good week!

👢 Line Dance Series — Monday, Nov. 17, 6-7 p.m. at Windmill Library (7060 W. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas). Looking for a fun way to get moving, meet great people, and learn something new—all without the bar scene? No experience? No problem! You’ll be welcomed with open arms and taught step by step in a fun, upbeat environment. Wear comfortable shoes or boots. This is a free class and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited. 

👯‍♀️ Fall Dance Festival — Nov. 20-22 at the UNR Redfield Proscenium Theatre (1664 N. Virginia St., Reno). The Fall Dance Festival is an annual dance concert featuring the innovative choreography of student and alumni artists. Get your tickets online.

💧 Master Gardener Class: Irrigation — Thursday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Springs Preserve (333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas). Learn how to test your landscape’s soil type and why it matters, how to choose the correct number and size of emitters for your plants, and how far apart to space them. Free class, but general admission required. Reserve your spot. 

🫔 Tamales & Mariachi Festival — Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Carolyn G. Goodman Plaza (525 S. Main St., Las Vegas). Enjoy delicious food from local vendors, live music, performances, fun activities for the whole family, and artisan and specialty vendors. Free entry. 

🎬 Tahoe Film Fest — Dec. 4-7 at Incline Village Cinema (901 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village) and Northstar Village Cinema (3001 Northstar Drive,

Truckee). Calling all cinephiles, gather up for a good cause! Tahoe Film Fest is showcasing award-winning films from around the globe, thought-provoking documentaries, and compelling feature films. All proceeds benefit the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Get your tickets online.

Native American women take part in the 26th Annual Paiute Tribe Pow Wow in Las Vegas. (Kobby Dagan/Shutterstock)

By Aleza Freeman

Nevada has several Indigenous organizations and community groups that support, empower, and celebrate Indigenous people, not just during Native American Heritage Month in November, but all 365 days of the year. 

Indigenous tribes in Nevada have spanned tens of thousands of years, and although they’ve faced challenges ranging from decolonization to cultural erosion, several local organizations are devoted to preserving their traditions.

The Silver State is home to nearly 53,000 American Indian and Alaska Native residents (1.7% of the total population), as well as many mixed-race Native Americans, according to US Census estimates. The University of Nevada, Reno, puts that number at 62,000.

This Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, community organizations are calling on Nevadans to join a nationwide boycott. Will you answer the call? 

We Ain’t Buying It, an initiative looking to create economic pressure and “community muscle,” is encouraging shoppers to avoid big corporate stores and instead support local businesses this holiday season.

Check out our Built in Nevada series or our locals guides for some local business inspiration!

Reach 70,000+ Nevadans who care about their communities! Sponsor the Nevadan’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Click here to get started.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jannelle Calderón with stories from Aleza Freeman and content from Naoka Foreman. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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