On the evening of June 5, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes hosted a black-tie benefit gala at the Maverick Hotel & Casino in Elko, raising more than $500,000 to support construction of the new Owyhee Combined Schools.
The formal event brought together tribal members, local community leaders, and representatives from the mining industry and tribal partners for a night of culture, entertainment, and philanthropy.
The evening began with an honor guard from Elko’s American Legion Reed-Gregory Post 7 presenting the U.S. and Tribal flags, accompanied by the Duck Valley Singers. A prayer was offered in Paiute by Yolanda Manning.
Chairman Brian Mason and Kendrick Owyhee served as emcees, welcoming guests and encouraging continued support for the school project. During the program, Chairman Mason presented a special tribute to Te-Moak tribal member and Vietnam veteran Felix Ike. A video message from fellow veteran Ernie Stensgar of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in Idaho honored Ike’s service, and Stensgar’s family was present to witness the emotional recognition.
Councilwoman Daliah Abel and Public Affairs Officer Marco Ovando led a cultural presentation that included hand drum songs from the Duck Valley Singers and a video of the annual 4th of July Powwow and Rodeo.
Auctioneer Sheldon Mudd kept the momentum going with high-energy bidding on a range of unique items. Highlights included a weekend stay at the Palms Las Vegas (courtesy of the Yuhaaviatam Nation of San Manuel), a half-beef package donated by the Bachman family, a guided elk hunt from the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, and an original painting by Micqaela Jones titled From the Four Directions, which fetched an impressive $22,000.
The Jake Jacobson Band closed out the night with live music, and Chairman Mason announced the final fundraising total—over half a million dollars.
“This event exceeded our expectations in every way,” Mason said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave so generously.”
All proceeds will go directly into a dedicated fund for the school’s construction, which will be matched by the State of Nevada through AB355, signed into law earlier this year. The Tribes also extended special thanks to the Nevada Gold Mines Native American Affairs team for their generous support of the event.
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