About the NIC

The NEVADA INDIAN COMMISSION (NIC) is a State agency created by statute in 1965 to “study matters affecting the social and economic welfare and well-being of American Indians residing in Nevada, including, but not limited to, matters and problems relating to Indian affairs and to federal and state control, responsibility, policy, and operations affecting such Indians.” The Indian Commission was originally established to be a mediary for tribal-state relations and the entity whereby tribal concerns and issues affecting Native American Indians could be directly addressed with the Governor.

Commission activities are aimed at developing and improving cooperation and communications between the Tribes, State, local governments, and related public agencies with the purpose of improving, education, employment, health, well-being and socio-economic status of Nevada’s American Indian citizens and enhancing tribal sovereignty, economic opportunities and community development.

The Commission effectively serves as a liaison between the State and the 20 federally recognized tribes comprised of 28 tribal communities. The Commission has assisted State agencies and Tribes on issues affecting Nevada’s American Indian constituency and serves as a forum in which Indian needs and issues are considered. The Commission is a conduit by which concerns involving Native American Indians or Tribal interests are channeled through the appropriate network and serves as the point of access for Tribes to find out about state government programs and policies.