A celebration of life is being held Thursday for Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Chairman Arlan D. Melendez.
The event is taking place at the Grand Sierra Resort Theater and began at 11 a.m.
Melendez served as Tribal Chairman for 32 years, and was the longest serving Tribal Chairman in Nevada, and possibly the United States, a release from the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony said.
He died peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, in Reno on June 17.
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Arlan D. Melendez, described in an online Facebook post, by the Nevada Department of Native American Affairs as “the most effective, longest serving, and most beloved Tribal Chairman in our region’s history, perhaps, the country,” died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 77.
He served the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony for 36 years, including 32 years as Tribal Chairman from 1987 until his retirement in December 2023.
The Reno-Sparks Colony stated, “Arlan was a beloved and cherished leader, role model and mentor to many.”
In a Facebook post, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony wrote, “Our hearts are heavy as we share the news of Chairman Arlan Melendez’s passing today, June 17, 2025. To us, he was a jokester; a selfless, family and god loving man. He consistently lived up to his promises and character, offering unwavering commitment, reliability and loyalty. He truly was a servant to the people and to the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony.”
According to the Nevada Department of Native American Affairs Facebook post, “For three decades, the Colony grew its strong, stable government as he guided his people to unprecedented economic development and access to the most sophisticated Tribal health care in the Great Basin.”
The Reno-Sparks Colony stated, “We will strive to honor his memory by living a life of integrity, showing love and kindness to others and finding the joy in the simple things.”
He also served on national committees, including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
The post noted that he was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2005 “to advocate for all our 574 federally recognized tribes.”
The Department of Native American Affairs post said, “Thousands of people were touched, witnessed, and will remember his extremely kind heart, his gentle spirit, his quest for fairness, and his willingness to help anyone.”
He was a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam Conflict.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, four grown children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, lifelong friends, neighbors, colleagues, and admirers.
The Reno-Sparks Colony added, “We send our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to Chairman Melendez’s family during this difficult time. We will inform you of funeral services at a later date.”
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo shared his condolences in a post on X, honoring Chairman Melendez as a dedicated leader and Marine Corps veteran.
“Donna and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Chairman Arlan D. Melendez,” Lombardo wrote, “and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar posted this statement on X:
"On Monday, I had the opportunity to visit the RSIC Tribal Health Center, which was opened under Chairman Melendez's leadership. Over 5,000 tribal citizens get comprehensive care there. His impact is felt every day in the lives protected and cared for across the community....Chairman Melendez's accomplishments are endless - from the growth of his tribe and advocacy for tribal rights across Nevada and the country. He showed how to lead with integrity and compassion. My deepest condolences are with Chairman Melendez's family and loved ones."
Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford posted this statement on X:
“The passing of Arlan Melendez is a tragedy for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and the entire state of Nevada.
His work for Native Americans on both the state and federal level made him one of the most impactful Nevadans in recent memory. His family and loved ones are in my and Berna’s prayers."
Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen posted this statement on X:
"I’m saddened to hear about the passing of former Chairman Arlan Melendez. As longtime Chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, he was dedicated to his community and a strong leader whom I had the pleasure of working closely with over the years. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
Nevada Senator Cortez Masto posted this statement on X:
"Arlan Melendez dedicated his life to the service of others. As Chairman of the "Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, as a Marine Corps veteran, and as a community leader, his work is an inspiration to all of us. My condolences are with Joyce and his family as we all mourn his passing."
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony post concluded with a quote from Melendez: “There is no greater evidence of progress than the building of friendships with all people.”
