ABOUT NEWE WAIPAIPIAN
Honoring Indigenous Lives Through Advocacy, Awareness, and Community Action
Newe Waipaipian is a community-led nonprofit organization based in Elko, Nevada, dedicated to supporting families, raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, and Children, and strengthening Indigenous communities through remembrance, healing, and action.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Our board is made up of dedicated individuals committed to honoring Indigenous lives, supporting families, and strengthening our community through awareness, advocacy, and action.
Thalia Marin
Co-Founder Executive Director
Thalia is dedicated to raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and has led community efforts to bring visibility, support families, and organize annual conferences.
Teresa Garcia
Secretary
Thalia is dedicated to raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and has led community efforts to bring visibility, support families, and organize annual conferences.
Ron Johnny – Eagleye
Executive – Vice – Chair
Ron Eagleye Johnny earned his J.D. from the University of Denver (1985) and his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley (1982). He served 17 years as a tribal trial court judge and 10 years on the Colorado River Indian Tribes Court of Appeals, including as Chief Justice and Senior Associate Justice, retiring in 2011.
He has also served on the U.S. Department of the Interior Courts of Indian Offenses and as judge for the Pyramid Lake Paiute, Walker River Paiute, and Duckwater Shoshone Tribes. Ron was elected Chairman of the Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe and later led the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada.
A Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force veteran and former California Highway Patrol officer, Ron has published legal work with institutions including Cornell University and the State Bar of Nevada. He is not licensed to practice law in Nevada state courts.
Alfreda Walker
Treasurer
Thalia is dedicated to raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and has led community efforts to bring visibility, support families, and organize annual conferences.
Ellen Johnson
Board Member
Thalia is dedicated to raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and has led community efforts to bring visibility, support families, and organize annual conferences.
Sharla McDaed
Board Member
Thalia is dedicated to raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and has led community efforts to bring visibility, support families, and organize annual conferences.
Gloria Johnnie- Robles
Board Member
Gloria Johnnie-Robles is a registered member of the Te-Moak Tribe (Elko Band of Western Shoshone) and is of Mexican and Western Shoshone heritage. Born in Elko, NV and raised in Wells, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from the College of Southern Idaho.
Gloria is a retired City of Reno civilian employee with 30 years of service. As a board member of Newe Waipaipian, she brings both urban and law enforcement perspectives. She enjoys traditional basket weaving, beading, and traveling.
OUR STORY
Why This Work Matters
Newe Waipaipian was created to bring awareness, remembrance, and action to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, and Children. Our work is rooted in love for our community and in the belief that every Indigenous life deserves visibility, dignity, and justice.
Through conferences, awareness walks, family advocacy, and community events, we continue to stand with Indigenous families in Elko and beyond. We are committed to creating spaces for remembrance, healing, and support while keeping the stories of our loved ones present and honored.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Grounded in Community, Guided by Purpose
Our work is centered on advocacy, remembrance, and creating stronger support systems for Indigenous families and communities.
AWARENESS
Keeping Indigenous Lives Visible
We raise awareness through conferences, remembrance walks, and public community events that honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Men, and Children.
ADVOCACY
Standing With Families
We support families by helping amplify their voices, strengthening visibility, and encouraging justice, accountability, and ongoing community awareness.
HEALING
Building Community Through Action
From community gatherings to veteran support events, we create spaces that bring people together, strengthen relationships, and support collective healing.
ROOTED IN ELKO
Serving Indigenous Families in Elko and Beyond
Our work is rooted in Northern Nevada and connected to Indigenous families and communities across the region. From local awareness efforts in Elko to gatherings that honor loved ones and support veterans, we remain committed to building stronger connections through presence, remembrance, and action.
Every event, every walk, and every story carried forward helps ensure that Indigenous lives are not forgotten.
GET INVOLVED
Stand With Us
Join us in honoring Indigenous lives, supporting families, and creating greater visibility through remembrance, advocacy, and community action.