RENO, Nev. – The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) has partnered with the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum, Nevada State Museum, Nevada Indian Commission, Visit Carson City, and Great Basin Native Artists Collective on a powerful and moving art exhibition entitled, “We remember your sacrifices, you are not forgotten: The story and art of the Stewart Indian School.”
On display through February 1, 2023, this unique exhibit tells the story of the boarding school located south of Carson City, run by the federal government, where Native children from the Great Basin tribal nations of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Western Shoshone, Northern Paiute, and Southern Paiute were removed from their families to learn English and job skills.
Many students also took an interest in art and were taught by Hopi stonemasons from Arizona. The students left behind murals, stone masonry in over 65 building still on campus, wood carvings, baskets, and beaded artistry, some of which headline the airport’s depARTures Gallery exhibition. Also included are artifacts from the Nevada State Museum historical and anthropological collections of Native art, as well as contemporary art from the Great Basin Native Artist Collective.
Today, the mission of the Stewart Museum in Carson City is to tell the true story and share first-hand accounts and experiences, while helping alumni, their families and communities heal. Native children from over 200 tribal nations attended the school between 1890 and 1980 when the school closed.
For those interested in visiting the School’s Cultural Center and Museum, more information can be found at https://stewartindianschool.com/.
Passengers traveling through Reno-Tahoe International Airport can visit the post-security exhibition through February 1, 2023.
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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority receives no state or local funding. All operating
revenues are derived from tenant and concession fees. Twelve airlines serve Reno-
Tahoe International Airport (RNO), flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout
the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.
