The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony has donated $10,000 to One Truckee River, supporting the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to protect, restore, and educate the public about the Truckee River and its ecosystem.
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony recognizes the Truckee River as a Traditional Cultural Property, a vital part of its heritage and identity.
The donation reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to preserving the river’s health and ensuring it continues to sustain the region’s communities and environment.
“OTR is grateful for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and its commitment to the well-being of the Truck River,” said Iris Jehle-Peppard, Executive Director of One Truckee River. “Their generous donation underscores our shared commitment and how much RSIC values our collaboration to ensure a healthy river ecosystem.”
One Truckee River leads a variety of initiatives focused on the conservation and stewardship of the Truckee River, including the Truckee River Urban Tree Workforce Program.
The program combines restorative vegetation management, removing unwanted or invasive plants and maintaining native species, with education, on-the-job training, and certification opportunities for people who face barriers to employment.
“In our traditional values, the Truckee River is one of the most significant cultural resources of the Truckee Meadows,” said Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Michon R. Eben. “Without our great body of water, we would be nothing. When every citizen learns to respect this great flowing entity of water, it will continue to replenish us.”
“This vital river supplies 85 percent of the water used in homes and businesses throughout the Truckee Meadows. It helps irrigate the agricultural ranches in the Fallon area. It’s used for hydroelectric energy facilities. People bike, hike, swim, raft, picnic, boat, fish, and some even live along the river. Tribal members continue to do traditional harvesting of plants and animals along the river, just like our ancestors did since time immemorial,” said Chairman Daryl D. Gardipe. “We are fortunate to have a like-minded organization, One Truckee River, that is doing the actual work to ensure healthy water quality and a thriving environment for all our future generations to come."
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony continues to advocate for the Truckee River as a significant cultural resource. While not formally designated, the river holds the characteristics of a Traditional Cultural Property that could be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Multiple generations of Native American people have relied on and cared for the Truckee River, and several areas along it have been recognized as contributing elements to a future Truckee River Traditional Cultural Property.
