Silver State Times

A member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe of Nevada has been named to lead the Western Region of the Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC).

According to NV.gov, U.S. Department Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced that Chairwoman Amber Torres has been named to that role.

“Chair Torres has a record of creating opportunities for Nevada’s Indian population," Gov. Steve Sisolak (D-NV) told NV.gov. "Her contributions to the Tribal Advisory Committee will continue that mission.”

The Nevada government reported that Sisolak has pushed for Torres to be chosen, along with U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

“I've witnessed firsthand Chair Torres’ passion and commitment to her culture and the preservation of her ancestry, teachings and customs, and I’m proud to see her leadership and wealth of knowledge will have an even further reach,” Sisolak said, according to NV.gov.

The objective of the STAC is to ensure that tribal leaders have access to communication with incoming Department of Interior officials to make sure their voice is heard regarding laws that could affect their communities.

“I want to thank the leadership from Nevada for their continued support, to elevate tribal issues and have a strong voice and tribal perspective at the table," Torres told NV.gov. "I believe that this committee will have good, meaningful feedback and intent that will change the future for tribal citizens' and tribal governments' way of life, for the better. This committee is long overdue, and I am committed to this new role that I will take on with honor and pride to pave the way for the next seven generations to build on.”