An open letter to Governor Joe Lombardo
Dear Governor Lombardo,
This open letter respectfully requests that the State of Nevada dedicate the time, attention, and resources necessary to preserve and maintain the historic, stone buildings at the Stewart Indian School, a property owned by the State of Nevada.
The Stewart Indian School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. It was added to the Register on September 18, 1985 (National Register Reference No. 85002432), recognizing its exceptional historical and architectural significance.
The campus stands today because of the blood, sweat, and determination of the boys and girls who attended the School. Many of the buildings were constructed and maintained through the labor of students who, despite the hardships they endured, went on to make lasting contributions to the history, culture, and economy of Nevada. Their resilience and accomplishments remain an enduring testament to their strength of character.
Because of the campus’s historical significance and its profound importance to former students, their families, tribal communities, and all Nevadans, these buildings deserve to be preserved and maintained to the highest possible standard. Once these historic structures are lost, they cannot be replaced. Deferred maintenance on these historic stone buildings can quickly become far more expensive if repairs are delayed.
We recognize that Nevada, like many states, faces financial challenges and that resources within the State’s General Fund are limited. However, there may be opportunities to secure funding through state, federal, and private preservation grants. We also believe the State has talented grant writers and preservation professionals who could pursue these funding sources to help protect this irreplaceable historic campus.
Should additional assistance be needed, we would welcome the opportunity to work alongside the State to help raise funds dedicated specifically to the preservation and restoration of the Stewart Indian School buildings.
The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum serves as a place of remembrance, education, and healing. It honors the children who attended the School, tells the truth about their experiences, and helps former students, their families, and their communities preserve their stories and continue the healing process. Maintaining the historic campus strengthens the museum’s mission by ensuring that future generations can experience these places firsthand and better understand this important chapter of Nevada’s history.
Stewart Indian School is more than a collection of historic, stone buildings—it is a place of memory, resilience, and reconciliation. Preserving this campus demonstrates Nevada’s commitment to honoring those who lived, learned, and persevered there. We respectfully ask for your leadership in ensuring that these historic structures receive the care and investment they deserve so that they may continue to educate, inspire, and heal for generations to come.
Respectfully,
Native Stonework
Why We Wrote the Governor
