Tribal Minds, Inc. was born in the spring of 2020, at the onset of the global pandemic. In a moment of crisis, when Native communities faced enormous disparities, we saw the need for a third-party, Native-led organization that could bring new skills, perspectives, and hope.
Our purpose was clear: to be a voice of reason, a dependable network of relatives, and a bridge where others saw only gaps. Guided by both practicality and spirituality, we chose to persevere — building a path forward rooted in kindness, cultural integrity, and collective strength.
Today, Tribal Minds is a statewide grassroots nonprofit serving all 28 federally recognized Tribes and Colonies of Nevada. We are challenging the “business as usual” approach of outside organizations by designing Native-forward solutions that honor sovereignty and build capacity from within.
Founded by Brian “BB” Melendez and supported by our Board of Directors and staff, Tribal Minds continues to imagine and create sustainable initiatives that serve our people, uplift our communities, and inspire future generations.
Tribal Minds envisions a future where Nevada’s Tribal Nations — from urban centers to the most remote reservations — thrive in sovereignty, wellness, and creativity. As a Native-led bridge organization, our strength lies in trusted relationships with all 28 Tribes, guided by cultural values and a commitment to balance.
We see generations liberated from poverty, disillusionment, and inequity, inheriting communities where being a good relative and a critical thinker are the norm. Our vision is a Native Nevada, and an Indigenous world beyond, where sovereignty is lived daily, wellness is restored, and creativity lights the path for the next seven generations.
We, the people of Tribal Minds, Inc., are determined to liberate future generations from the scourge of poverty, disillusionment, and inequities of humanity. We are committed in every way possible to being good relatives and critical thinkers for the betterment of this planet.
By centering sovereignty, wellness, and creativity, Tribal Minds is cultivating the conditions where Indigenous communities live as the creators of their own destinies. We are not only protecting what is sacred — we are building a future of resilience, balance, and liberation for generations to come.
At Tribal Minds, we believe sovereignty is more than politics — it is wellness, culture, creativity, and the ability to define our own futures. Indigenous wisdom teaches us that thriving communities are built on relationships, imagination, and shared responsibility.
We believe strong relationships are built on respect, clarity, and trust. We nurture healthy communication with people, organizations, and movements that align with us spiritually, energetically, and purposefully. We do not seek to work with everyone, but with those equally committed to Indigenous futures.
Our roots are in Tribal communities, and we carry them into every space we enter. We are guided by cultural values, open minds, and open hearts as we build new relationships. Every partnership is approached with intentionality, always centering the well-being of our people and the land.
We exist to uplift communities and inspire better futures. Guided by the principle that every person deserves dignity, we co-create opportunities, solutions, and dreams alongside those who share our commitment. Our vision is not only to serve today, but to shape a thriving tomorrow for generations to come.
Tribal Minds, Inc. is a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Nevada, dedicated to strengthening Tribal sovereignty through Community Development, Indigenous Wellness, and Artistic Liberation.
We believe in a simple but profound truth: Native solutions for Native issues. Sovereignty is more than governance — it is the health of our people, the resilience of our communities, and the freedom to express our own stories. Born from the Tribal communities of Northern Nevada, Tribal Minds carries forward an Indigenous vision that blends ancestral wisdom with modern innovation to create thriving futures.
As a bridge organization, we connect Tribes, leaders, and allies with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed. Our work is non-partisan, community-driven, and future-focused. From our Rez Tour, which provides clear and accessible education on state legislation, to transformative youth wellness retreats and nationally recognized media projects, our initiatives heal, empower, and inspire.
Our partnerships — with Nevada’s 28 Tribes, grassroots leaders, and national collaborators such as Paramount, Chanel, UNLV, and the NoVo Foundation — demonstrate what becomes possible when Native leadership drives solutions. Together, we are proving that Indigenous thought not only serves Indian Country but also offers wisdom the world urgently needs.
