(Editor's note: This discussion originally aired Sept. 17, 2020.)
Nevada’s Native American population makes up almost 2 percent of the state’s population and is composed of 27 different tribes.
The Native American population in Clark County is one of the fastest-growing in the country with an estimated 50,000 people who identify as Native Americans living there.
Despite that, local tribal leaders say they’re still struggling to be recognized for both their economic and political power, both in Clark County and throughout the state.
Look no further than Minden, where President Donald Trump visited last weekend, for proof. The town — once a place where Native Americans weren’t welcome after 6:30 p.m. — refuses to change or get rid of a daily siren that tribes in the area say is a reminder of that law.
Tonight's discussion is hosted by Brian Melendez and Teresa Melendez. They recently worked to form the first Native-American caucus for Democrats in Nevada and they host the podcast, “Coffee With an Indian.”
This is Nevada Public Radio’s fourth installment in its series: Race and Racism in Nevada. This series is made possible with support from Wynn Las Vegas.
Myrton Running Wolf, Assistant Professor of Race and Media, University of Nevada in Reno; Mercedes Kraus, board member, Las Vegas Indian Center and Vice-Chair of the Native American Alumni Club of UNLV
