()The former Nevada school for Indian kids is now a museum and educational centre for tribal arts, culture and culture.

In Carson City, Nevada, the Stewart Indian School was established by the federal government in 1890 to educate Indian children. The original objectives of the school were to integrate children into American culture and offer vocational training, while excluding tribal languages and traditions.

In the 1960s, the school’s mission was changed to one of academic excellence. It closed in 1980 when the state acquired it.

The state-run Nevada Indian Commission works today to restore many historic stone buildings located on the campus’ 240-acre expanse. It has two goals: educate the public about the school’s history and provide cultural and entrepreneurial opportunities for Native Americans.

One area will be used for a museum, while other areas will host venues for business, culture, arts, and development.

SherryRupert, executive Director of the Nevada Indian Commission, states that the museum is a cultural center and museum. “offer a new beginning to the campus.”

A new museum and cultural center is planned to open on campus in the spring 2019. A welcome center is also planned for a former postoffice near the museum.

Long-term plans include the rehabilitation of many stone buildings on campus in order to make them functional spaces that can be used for learning about tribal culture and art.

The school was also known as having strong athletic programs. Renovations are planned to bring the gymnasium back to its original role as a meeting place for not only sports but other community social events.

Brian Sandoval, Nevada Governor, was instrumental to the rehabilitation and reinvention.

Sandoval stated that he made funding for a museum/cultural center a priority in the 2017-18 budget. He pledged to continue his support of other related projects. In July, he participated in a blessing ceremony at the museum and cultural centre.

“The importance of history and culture and what happened here, for better or for worse, it has to be preserved,”Sandoval claims.

“It has to be a story that is told forever. This has to be a place where people can travel from all over the country and all over the world and truly understand what happened here.”

Visit the museum and school website for more information. stewartindianschool.com/museum.