Project 3. Native Community Reads
The Noowuh Knowledge Center has organized a book discussion group with much success! Native Community Reads focuses on books written by Native American authors. Our recent book selections and discussions have been the books, There There by Tommy Orange and Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot. If you are interested in joining our book discussions, please contact Mary Gibson.
THE SHOSHONE PEOPLE
OF THE GREAT BASIN
Vision
Publicaly provide information and knowledge at a central location, sharing and educating the life and history of Newe (Shoshone) and Great Basin People.
Mission
Educate, preserve and protect Noowuh and Ohndahvitch (other tribes) culture, history, (past, present and future), and stories in an easily accessible knowledge center.
Board of Directors
Fermina Stevens, Chairperson
Fermina was born and raised in Elko, Nevada, and attended local schools, and graduating from Elko High School in 1987. Fermina volunteers her time on various committees for the Elko Indian Colony to assist in the development of the community and to help preserve Newe history
Deborah Mendez, Vice Chairperson
Deborah is a member of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, Elko Band. Deborah graduated from Phoenix Indian High School in 1975 and in 1985, graduated from Great Basin College with an associates degree. "It is with great pride that I serve as an officer for the board with amazing individuals who, like myself, are interested in preserving and teaching our history.
Leah Brady, Secretary/Treasurer
Leah Brady is a member of the Western Shoshone tribe. She is the current chairperson of the Great Basin Native Basketweavers Association and specializes in Western Shoshone open and closed twined baskets, and contemporary red willow and other commercial material baskets. She is a retired public school teacher and UniServ Director for the Nevada State Education Association. Leah is one of the authors of Celebrating Nevada Indians, a teaching curriculum.
Katherine Blossom, Director
Katherine is an elder of the Western Shoshone Nation. Katherine is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who is dedicated to praying and speaking for the protection of mother earth. For 30 years, she worked as a counselor for the Elko High School. After retiring, Katherine joined Corbin Harney, revered and respected Newe spiritual leader, at Poo-Ha-Bah, or doctor water healing center. Katherine continues to attend ceremonies at home and surrounding states.
Chester Stevens, Director
Chet is a tribal member of the Te-Moak Band of Western Shoshone/Elko Band. Chet is an artist and respected spiritual leader. Chet's involvement with continuing his cultural practices and traditions is motivated by the importance of passing on Newe teachings. Cultural preservation is key to perpetuating our beliefs and life ways.
Mary Gibson, Administrator
Mary is a citizen of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone/Elko Band. From vision to reality, her passion for the protection and preservation of Newe (Western Shoshone) language, culture and history, was actualized by the founding of NKC. She has a master's degree in Library and Information Science, with an emphasis in archives.