Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (2025)

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

NUMA NEWS

December 2025

Candidates for Tribal Council must be: “A qualified voter of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe who is 25

years of age or older, and must have lived on the Pyramid Lake Reservation for not less than 1 year

immediately proceeding announcement of candidacy.”

Candidates for the 2025 Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe General Election are located on page 11. The

Pyramid Lake JR/SR High school is looking for 2 board members for their Board of Education

committee. If you are interested in serving on the PLHS Board of Education, please submit your

candidacy letter by October 3, 2025 by 4:30 pm to:

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe ATTN: Tribal Secretary

PO Box 256

Nixon, NV 89424

Per 2024 Secretarial Election: Amendment B, Article IV, Nominations and Elections Section 4: “Any

member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe who is eighteen (18)years or older shall be considered

eligible and entitled to vote.”

To Request an Absentee Ballot, please submit your (post marked) request by Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The deadline to return your Absentee Ballot is Friday, December 26, 2025 by 3:30 pm.

Deadline to deliver your Return Absentee Ballot is Saturday, December 27th by 6:00 pm.

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

208 Capitol Hill

PO Box 256

Nixon, NV 89424

Phone: 775-574-1000

To be placed on a mailing list to receive

this newsletter, please contact

Administrative Assistant Michelle Mix at:

(775) 574-1000 ext. 1102

Or by e-mail:

adminassistant@plpt.nsn.us

Sheri Brazzanovich

Services took place in

Carson City, NV.

“Pandaburr”

Amanda LaRay Roa

Sunrise: May 27, 1988

Sunset: November 2,

2025

Frank Louis Grayshield

Sunrise: April 10, 1942

Sunset: November 3, 2025

Celebration of Life Services

took place in Carson City,

NV.

Gregory Albert Baltazar

Celebration of Life Services

took place in Fallon, NV.

Services took place in

Battle Mountain, NV.,

with burial at Battle

Mountain Cemetery.

Services took place at

LDS Elko Stake

Cemetery in Elko, NV.

Karen Denise Talas

Sunrise: January 31,

1059

Sunset: November 10,

2025

Services took place in

Carson City, with burial

at Stewart Cemetery.

Ronnie C. James

Sunrise: September 06,1947

Sunset: November 18, 2025

Services took place in Reno,

NV.

Photo taken by Damon Bilinsky

Ronnie Dixon

Sunrise: February 3,

1948

Sunset: November 3,

2025

Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic 705 Hwy 446 | P.O. Box 227 Nixon, Nevada 89424 (775) 574-1018

2026 REQUEST FOR SERVICE PROPOSALS

Contract for any of the following:

Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA-C)

Dentist

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL: DECEMBER 05, 2025

Contract period: 12/05/2025 01/01/26 - 12/31/2026

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will be expected to:

1. Provide the Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic with a valid e-mail address and phone number where the contractor can be

reached when not on-site to facilitate communication.

2. Provide individual appointments for children, adolescents and adults with a variety of health diagnoses.

3. Collect information about clients using interview, case history, observation techniques and assessment methods to determine reliability and validity of treatment used.

4. Perform clinical case management.

5. Work in a team setting with medical providers.

6. Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings that include clinical case staffing.

7. Become sufficiently proficient in the use of the Electronic Health Record to record all client contacts before leaving the

office.

8. Have knowledge of and proficiency in recognized evidence-based therapies.

9. Comply with all Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic policies and procedures and credentialing and privileging process.

Submission

Interested individual/companies may obtain additional information from:

Dawna Brown, Health Director, Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic Phone: (775) 574-1018 x 1216 Email: dbrown@plthc.org

Proposals must be Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic clearly marked:

Attention: RFP Submittal for (Indicate position)

P.O. Box 227

Nixon, Nevada 89424

Sealed proposals will be received at the Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic until December 05, 2025-12:00 p.m.

See full RFP on our website at: https://plpt.nsn.us/numa-news

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Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic 705 Hwy 446 | P.O. Box 227 Nixon, Nevada 89424 (775) 574-1018

2026 REQUEST FOR SERVICE PROPOSALS

Contract for any of the following:

IT Managed Services

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL: DECEMBER 05, 2025

Contract period: 12/05/2025 01/01/26 - 12/31/2026

Scope of Work

The selected contractor will be expected to:

I. Provide the Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic with a valid e-mail address and phone number where the contractor can be reached when not onsite in the event of network/application disruptions.

II. Provide Managed IT services either at a fixed flat rate (24/7) or hourly and include unlimited IT support (Help Desk, application, and network

support).

III. Work in a team setting with medical providers, clinic staff and participate in various department meetings.

IV. Have a clear understanding of the Privacy Act (45 CFR), 42 CFR part 2 and laws relating to protection of health/medical records. but not limited

to familiarity of Indian Health Service Information Resource Management (IRM) and Information Technology Security (ITS) Programs. To ensure

that all privacy rules, regulations, and laws are in compliance.

V. Be proficient in the use, management, and updates of the Electronic Health Record (preferably Greenway, RPMS and VistA), Dental (Dentrix),

Optometry (ImageNet), Door Lock Management/configuration, security system, and various medical software and equipment.

i. Setup, manage and remove user accounts for physical clinic assess (door locks), Active Directory and necessary user applications.

ii. Schedule, verify, and maintain data backups.

iii. Implement and maintain new software programs as needed.

iv. Provide technical assistance to computer users for various types of computer equipment and peripheral devices including printers,

fax, wireless access points, terminals, and clinic computers.

v. Provide repair and upgrade of computers (including hardware and software)

vi. Provide Network/System Administration to firewalls, switches, servers, and phone systems.

1.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and fix security risks.

2.Ability to build a culture of knowledge and awareness of security issues throughout the organization.

3.Monitors systems for vulnerabilities, provides prioritization and drives remediation efforts.

vii. Knowledge of HL7, DICOM, FHIR, and SQL standards.

viii. Implement and document network components and performance.

ix. Communicate and provide reports of outages and issues to Health Director

VI. Assist with other clinic projects and initiatives which help drive the clinic’s vision and values aligning the clinic’s technology strategy with the

care, treatment, and improvement of patientcare.

VII. Comply with all Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic policies and procedures and credentialing and privileging processes.

Submission

Interested individual/companies may obtain additional information from:

Dawna Brown, Health Director, Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic Phone: (775) 574-1018 x 1216 Email: dbrown@plthc.org

Proposals must be Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic clearly marked:

Attention: RFP Submittal for (Indicate position)

P.O. Box 227

Nixon, Nevada 89424

Sealed proposals will be received at the Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic until December 05, 2025-12:00 p.m.

See full RFP on our website at: https://plpt.nsn.us/numa-news

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Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic 705 Hwy 446 | P.O. Box 227 Nixon, Nevada 89424 (775) 574-1018

2026 REQUEST FOR SERVICE PROPOSALS

Contract for any of the following:

Psychologist

Marriage and Family Therapist

Clinic Professional Counselor

Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL: DECEMBER 05, 2025

Contract period: 12/05/2025 01/01/26 - 12/31/2026

Scope of Work

The PLTHC is seeking Licensed Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) to contract psychological, counseling, and therapeutic services for mental health and alcohol and substance use disorders for adults and/or children at the Pyramid Lake Tribal

Health Clinic (PLTHC), 705 Hwy 446/P.O Box 227, Nixon, NV, 89424.

Services shall be provided from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.

The Contractor will be an experienced Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, or Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. The Contractor will have a current, active and unrestricted license

to practice independently. The services provided shall include assessment and diagnosis, evaluations (alcohol and substance

clinical counselor) testing, psychological evaluations (psychologist), crisis intervention, therapy, counseling, and case management services.

Other Duties and Responsibilities include:

1.Provide contact information for the Health Director and Manager of Behavioral Health which will include a valid email address and phone number where the contractor can be reached when not on-site to facilitate communication;

2. Provide only those services within the scope of their license, practice, and expertise;

3. Provide individual, family, and group therapy/counseling for children, adolescents and adults;

4. Ensure care coordination to recipients with higher intensity of needs;

5. Collect case history, conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnose a mental health disorder and document

a current ICD diagnoses proficiently in the Electronic Health Record (EHR);

6. Work in a team setting for behavioral health integration with medical, chemical dependency, and other health related providers for the standard and continuity of care;

7. Participate in patient case management and staffing at least weekly and Child Protective Team meetings when necessary;

8. Have knowledge of and proficiency in recognized evidence-based and practiced-based therapies and modalities that have

been researched to be effective with the Native American Indian culture;

9. Respond to requests for assessment and/or reports to outside agencies, such as tribal/county/city courts, schools, social services, and other agencies as requested.

Continued from page 10

Minimal Requirements

All proposals will be reviewed to determine whether the minimum qualifications and requirements are met as specified below. Failure to satisfy the following qualifications may result in disqualification:

1. Must hold one of the following educational degrees and licensure:

a.) Doctorate degree in psychology and license;

b.) Graduate degree in counseling/therapy and licensed as a clinical alcohol and drug abuse counselor, clinical professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist;

c.) Graduate degree in social work and licensed as a clinical social worker;

2. The Contractor will have at least two years of experience as a QMHP in an outpatient and inpatient care facility;

3. The Contractor will have experience and knowledge of the cultural, social and economic backgrounds of the Native American population;

4. The Contractor will provide services on-site or via Telemedicine when necessary;

5. Negative TB Test within the last 12 months;

6. The Contractor will be current with COVID-19 Vaccination and booster;

7. The Contractor will pass a pre-employment alcohol and drug screen and pass a PL 101-630 Indian Child Protection and

Family Violence Act background check;

8. The Contractor will maintain own professional malpractice insurance;

9. The Contractor must comply with all laws and regulations of the Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic

Submission

Interested individual/companies may obtain additional information from:

Dawna Brown, Health Director, Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic Phone: (775) 574-1018 x 1216 Email: dbrown@plthc.org

Proposals must be Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic clearly marked:

Attention: RFP Submittal for (Indicate position)

P.O. Box 227

Nixon, Nevada 89424

Sealed proposals will be received at the Pyramid Lake Tribal Health Clinic until December 05, 2025-12:00 p.m.

See full RFP on our website at: https://plpt.nsn.us/numa-news

11

American Indigenous Tourism Association Announces Awardees of 2025

Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards

The 2025 Awardees Include:

•

Best Cultural Heritage Experience: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,

New Mexico

• Excellence in Customer Service: Choctaw Cultural Center, Oklahoma

• Best Indigenous Culinary Tourism Experience: Wahpepah’s Kitchen, California

• Indigenous Artisan of the Year: Meritza Shumake, Mississippi Band

of Choctaw Indians

• Indigenous Futures Award: Tyler Bell, Mississippi Band of Choctaw

Indians

• The Industry Professional of the Year Award: Billie Jean Guerrero,

Director of the Pyramid Lake Museum & Visitor Center, Nevada

• Industry Partner of the Year: Indigenous Tourism Association of

Canada

Indigenous Destination of the Year: Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, California

Award Recipient Highlights:

Best Cultural Heritage Experience was presented to the Indian Pueblo

Cultural Center of New Mexico. Escape to the heart of New Mexico and

immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the 19 Pueblos at the Indian

Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC). Located in Albuquerque, the IPCC is a

October 30, 2025

premier destination dedicated to preserving and showcasing authentic

Media Contact: Liz Slobodian, APR, Liz@shipwrightcommunications.com Pueblo traditions. More than just a museum, the IPCC offers a truly immersive experience. Witness captivating traditional dances, watch talCaption: Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards 2025 Winners at the ented artists at work, and explore fascinating exhibitions co-curated

American Indigenous Tourism Conference in Choctaw, Mississippi with Pueblo leaders. Indulge in authentic Pueblo cuisine at the Indian

Photo Credit: American Indigenous Tourism Association

Pueblo Kitchen and find unique, handcrafted treasures at the Indian

Pueblo Store, all while knowing your visit directly supports Pueblo comAgua Caliente Cultural Plaza, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Choctaw

munities and their artists. With a commitment to cultural integrity, the

Cultural Center, Wahpepah’s Kitchen, Billie Jean Guerrero of Pyramid

IPCC provides an unforgettable journey into living history. It’s an essenLake Paiute Tribe, Tyler Bell of Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians,

tial stop for anyone seeking to connect with the rich heritage and endurMeritza Shumake of Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and

ing spirit of New Mexico’s Pueblo people.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada are honored at the 2025

Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards.

Excellence in Customer Service was presented to the Choctaw Cultural

Center of Oklahoma. Discover the heart of the Choctaw people at the

Choctaw Cultural Center, a one-of-a- kind destination where rich history

CHOCTAW, Miss. (October 30, 2025) – The American Indigenous

and vibrant traditions come to life. Opened in 2021, the center serves as

Tourism Association announced the awardees of the 2025 Excellence in

a focal point for Choctaw culture, offering an immersive and authentic

Indigenous Tourism Awards at the 27th Annual American Indigenous

experience you won’t find anywhere else. Step into a world of storytellTourism Conference in Choctaw, Mississippi on October 29, 2025. The

ing and tradition, where you can explore fascinating exhibits, take part

awards celebrate outstanding achievements in Indigenous tourism,

in hands-on workshops, and watch live demonstrations. From savoring

recognizing individuals and organizations that contribute to the

traditional Choctaw meals to admiring handmade art, every detail is

industry’s $11.6 billion annual economic impact.

crafted to provide a deep and meaningful connection to the Choctaw

This year, the awards program introduced new categories, expanding way of life. At the Choctaw Cultural Center, hospitality is more than a

the awards to honor a broader range of achievements across U.S. Indig- service—it’s a core cultural value. The dedicated team is committed to

ensuring every visitor feels welcomed, creating a truly transformative

enous tourism.

experience.

“The Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards highlight the incredible

work being done across our Native Nations and communities,” said Best Indigenous Culinary Experience was presented to Wahpepah’s

Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), CEO, American Indigenous Tourism Kitchen of California. Wahpepah’s Kitchen offers a culinary revolution

Association. “The 2025 winners exemplify the highest standards of In- where Chef Crystal Wahpepah transforms Native American foodways

digenous hospitality, cultural preservation, and innovation in the travel into a modern, delicious dining experience. A member of the Kickapoo

and tourism industry. Each honoree epitomizes the diverse contribu- nation, she is a trailblazing chef, a James Beard Award finalist, and the

tions that are shaping the future of Indigenous tourism and creating first Indigenous chef to compete on the Food Network’s Chopped. Lounforgettable experiences for travelers.”

cated in Oakland, California, on Ohlone land, Wahpepah’s Kitchen is

Continued from Page 12

more than just a restaurant—it’s a movement rooted in food sovereign- munity across borders, making them a model of partnership and allyty and sustainability. Chef Wahpepah meticulously sources ingredients ship.

from Indigenous farmers and land stewards, ensuring each dish honors

heritage and the planet. From Kickapoo bison chili to cedar-smoked Indigenous Destination of the Year was presented to Agua Caliente Culsalmon from the Lummi Nation, the menu is a vibrant celebration of tural Plaza in California. The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in Palm

diverse Indigenous cultures. A visit to Wahpepah’s Kitchen offers a taste Springs, California is a cultural destination dedicated to sharing the hisof history and a glimpse into the future of food, celebrating community tory, culture, and traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indiand a deeper connection to the land.

ans. The 5.8-acre plaza, which opened in 2023, features the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, The Spa at Séc-he, a Gathering Plaza, and an

Indigenous Artisan of the Year Award was presented to Meritza ShuOasis Trail. The museum offers exhibitions, a theater, a teaching garden,

make of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Meritza Shumake, a

and programming that highlights the history and culture of the Agua

cultural ambassador for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, is dedCaliente people. The Spa at Séc-he celebrates the Tribe’s ancient hot

icated to preserving her culture through her art and teachings. A U.S.

mineral spring, which has been revered for its healing properties for

Navy veteran, she uses social media to share video tutorials on creating

thousands of years and provides a modern wellness experience. The

traditional Choctaw dresses, shirts, and beadwork. Shumake’s passion

outdoor spaces, including the Gathering Plaza and Oasis Trail, offer visifor her heritage is also shown through her love for playing stickball. Alttors an interactive learning environment that mimics the natural beauty

hough self-taught, she learned her craft by observing older artists and

of the Tribe’s ancestral lands. The plaza has welcomed over 100,000

has since developed her own tools and templates to help others learn.

guests since its opening and plays a significant role in the region’s tourShe offers her time for individual lessons and creates detailed instrucism and economic development.

tions suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artisans.

For more than 27 years, the American Indigenous Tourism Association

Indigenous Futures Award was presented to Tyler Bell of the Mississip- has worked to address inequities in the tourism system and has served

pi Band of Choctaw Indians. Tyler Bell, a member of the Mississippi as the national voice for U.S. Indigenous peoples engaged in cultural

Band of Choctaw Indians, conference services manager and a hospitality tourism, while providing technical assistance, training and capacity

management student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas stands out building to Native Nations and communities and Indigenous-owned enfor his commitment to using tourism to promote sustainable growth terprises engaged in tourism, hospitality, and recreation.

and cultural visibility within Indigenous communities. Bell is a rising star

Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand

in the tourism and hospitality industry due to his professionalism, detail

their

cultural

tourism

footprint

can

find

resources

-oriented approach, and passion for creating excellent guest experiencat www.AmericanIndigenousTourism.org and visitors interested in

es. His work goes beyond simply participating in the industry; he actively

learning more about Indigenous culture can visit :

advocates for tourism that benefits tribal communities, honors Indigewww.DestinationNativeAmerica.com.

nous perspectives, and preserves cultural heritage. His long-term vision

is to shape a tourism landscape where Indigenous voices are centered

###

and celebrated, making him a perfect fit for an award that recognizes

future Indigenous leaders.

About

the

American

Indigenous

Tourism

Association

Industry Professional of the Year Award was presented to Billie Jean For more than 27 years, the American Indigenous Tourism Association

Guerrero, Director of the Pyramid Lake Museum & Visitor Center of has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing a

Nevada. Billie Jean Guerrero, an enrolled member of the Pyramid Lake mission to define, introduce, grow, and sustain American Indigenous

Paiute Tribe, is the director of the Pyramid Lake Museum & Visitor Cen- tourism that honors traditions and values across the United States and

ter. She is a dedicated advocate for the preservation of her tribe’s cul- its territories. Established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the

ture, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous visibility. Under her tourism system, the American Indigenous Tourism Association is a 501

leadership, the museum has become a key center for sharing Paiute (c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Indigenous board of direchistory, language, and traditional ecological knowledge, and it features tors and serves as a united voice for the $11.6 billion Indigenous hospia medicine garden and educational exhibits. The museum’s mission is to tality sector. Its successful legislative work led to the industry-changing

collect, exhibit, and preserve the history and culture of the Numu Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE

(Northern Paiute) and to educate visitors on various topics, including, Act) funding in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through

Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, National Remembrance Day, federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation. Native Nations

Native Song Nights, Basket Weaving, Prayer Rides, and more. Guerrero and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourhas also played a significant role in raising awareness about the spiritual ism footprint can find resources at:

connection between her tribe and Pyramid Lake, highlighting the imwww.AmericanIndigenousTourism.org

portance of the lake’s health to the Paiute people.

and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can

Industry Partner of the Year Award was presented to the Indigenous

visit www.DestinationNativeAmerica.com.

Tourism Association of Canada. Since 2017, the Indigenous Tourism

Association of Canada (ITAC) has been an active and critical partner to

the American Indigenous Tourism Association, embodying the true spirit

of collaboration and mutual support. They are the kind of partner who

lifts you up at every turn—sharing invaluable knowledge of the industry,

opening doors to new opportunities, and ensuring that our voices are

included in efforts to elevate the Indigenous tourism sector. Through

their unwavering commitment and generosity, ITAC has strengthened

not only our organization but also the broader Indigenous tourism com-

13

PL Paiute Tribal Transit attended 2025 National Transportation in Indian

Country Conference

PL Paiute Tribal Transit Facebook Post, November 4, 2025:

This fall, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Transit and Transportation programs had the opportunity to attend the 2025 National Transportation in Indian Country Conference held in

Chandler, AZ.

We are finally getting around to posting some pictures of

the event along with sharing pictures taken from the

National RTAP.

Earlier this year, Michele Smith, Transit Manager, was

appointed to the National RTAP Review Board, and she is

looking forward to having continued collaborations to grow

and improve the PL Transit program with top notch training

and new opportunities to present and assist tribal transit

programs.

Caption describing picture or graphic

Da Nelle Smith participating in the Heavy Equipment

Rodeo at the NTICC 2025

Heavy Equipment Rodeo at the NTICC 2025. Da Nelle

Smith inside of the loader and former PL Transit

Manager, Robert Hicks giving pointers to her.

Michele Smith with National RTAP colleagues

14

Tribal Administration Parking Lot

Please send your comments/questions or concerns to the Pyramid Lake Tribal Transportation

Department regarding the Lumos' Tribal Admin Parking Lot Map/Plan. The map can also be viewed in

the Admin Lobby, and located on our website at: https://plpt.nsn.us/transportation-planning/

Johnnie Garcia - jgarcia@plpt.nsn.us

Da Nelle Smith - dmith@plpt.nsn.us

15