The idea of hosting an annual Indian Education Summit started in 2007 after a few tribal people attended a conference, hosted by the Southwest Comprehensive Center (Comp Center). The Comp Center helped plan the first event with the Nevada Indian Commission (NIC) and the University of Nevada, Reno's Center for Student Diversity, and was held in March 2008. The Summit has since remained a space where educators and tribes collaborate, exchange resources, and work together to meet the needs of AI students in our state.

2026 Summit Information Coming Soon
2025 Lightning the Path to Collaboration, Advocacy and Leadership
2024 The Landscape of Indian Education: Looking back to Look Forward. Using data to invest in our students.
2023 The annual event was canceled.
2022 The annual event was canceled.
2021 The annual event did not take place due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
2020 The annual event did not take place due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
2019 Equity: A Voice for All Students.
2018 Building an Equitable and Sustainable Education System for Native Students.
2017 From Accountability to Native Innovation.
2016 Student Potential: The Focus & Future of Indian Education.
2015 Transforming the Future: Closing the Achievement Gap for AI Students.
2014 Building a Foundation for Success.
2013 We Are Still Here, Telling Our Story.
2012 Feeding the Spirit, Educating the Mind.
2011 Embracing the Past, Educating the Future.
2010 Weaving an Educational Foundation for Our Students Through Language, Culture & History.
2009 Building the Bridge to Transition.
2008 Building Collaborations Between Educators and Leaders Across the State to Improve Indian Education.
2007 First year to plan the annual Summit.

During the years the Summit was not held, the NDE organized several events funded by registration fees from previous Summits. These events included:

August 2023, we co-hosted the Remembrance Run

August 2023, we purchased footballs, volleyballs, basketballs, and other recreational supplies for students to enjoy during the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) Discover Your Path, an American Indian Summer Camp held in Lake Tahoe.

June 2023, we were glad to provide support with expenses so that McDermitt youth could participate in the Nevada Department of Education’s University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Summer Camp.

June 2023, the Summit was proud to sponsor the Stewart Alumni Reception held during the Stewart Father’s Day Powwow.

As resources allow, we will continue supporting future events and assisting with activities that are both educational and culturally meaningful.

PESA NAMANEDU AWARD

Established in 2010, the Pesa Namanedu Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Indian Education in Nevada. The first recipients were the educators who authored the Celebrating Nevada Indians Curriculum.

Pesa Namanedu is loosely translated at “Something that has been done well”.

Ralph Burns was awarded on March 28, 2025

In recognition of his remarkable accomplishments as a Paiute Language instructor.

We take pride in celebrating your receipt of an Honorary Degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, honoring your significant contributions to enhancing academic programs, student life, and the teaching of Paiute language and culture. Your efforts have greatly enriched the academic and cultural experiences of students throughout Nevada.

Reynelda James was awarded on March 28, 2025

In recognition of her exceptional contributions as a Paiute Language teacher.

Reynelda has graciously led the opening prayer for the Indian Education Summit since its inception. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support of education for all students in Nevada. As our respected Paiute tribal elder, we honor and appreciate you.

Their dedication, hard work, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the students and tribal communities that you serve. Your contributions are truly valued and appreciated.