The Wá∙šiw (Washoe) are a sovereign tribal nation who are the original inhabitants of DáɁaw Ɂága (Lake Tahoe) and its surrounding areas. Lake Tahoe is the Tribe’s most sacred place, and they consider it a living entity that needs to be honored and protected. Now, The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, a formally recognized tribal government, has secured the funding it needs to establish a full-time Community Liaison. This liaison will represent its voice at community meetings and decision-making tables for the next three years.
“Having the Washoe Liaison will ensure the Washoe Tribe’s voice is consistently heard in the heart of our homelands. The Washoe Liaison ensures the best interest for the Washoe Tribal Members are being met in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This position is responsible for the development and maintains outreach with other governments and organizations within the Lake Tahoe Basin, with both California and Nevada,” said Serrell Smokey, Chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.