There appears to be a lot of misinformation out there concerning CCW carry on the Reno Sparks Indian Colony. I personally wrote to the Chief of Police, RSIC, Lawrence Cooley, and posed the questions. I informed him I intented to disseminate his response to our CCW classes. Here is his response. Most of you, other than Native Americans, will be pleased:
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Subject: RE: RSIC Policy on Legal Concealed Carry
Mr. xxxxx,
I apologize for failing to respond I remember your letter and had
intended to respond but somehow forgot. On Indian Reservations in Nevada there are three applicable legislative sources that apply; Tribal Law which can only be applied to Indians who are enrolled in, or eligible to
be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, State Law which is applied
to non-Indians, and Federal Law which is applied to both Indians and
non-Indians but only for violations of the Major Crimes Act.
To answer your question it depends on the race of the individual
carrying the concealed weapon.
If the person is non-Indian he is accountable to state law. Therefore,
if a non-Indian is carrying a concealed weapon in compliance with state
law it is legal even on the reservation.
If the person is Indian it is more complicated. Each reservation has its
own set of Tribal Laws. Ours for example, has no provision to issue
concealed weapons permits. If a person who was Indian was carrying a
concealed weapon on our reservation, even with a permit from the state,
it would be illegal. Other reservations may issue permits but for an
Indian person they would have to check the laws on each reservation that
they plan to carry the concealed weapon.
Sometimes the laws governing Indian Reservations can be confusing, but
hopefully this gives you a basic understanding. I am glad that you are
including information about Tribal Law in your class. This subject is
often overlooked. If you need any other information please feel free to
ask.
Chief Cooley
