15.- Reno's Contribution

15.1 CENTER FOR BASQUE STUDIES
A reminder of the Basque role in the history of the Silver State and the West is the Center for Basque Studies (CBS) at the University of Nevada, in Reno. As far as Basque material is concerned, it has one of the most complete libraries in the world. Its University of Nevada Press publishes an important collection of books on this theme as well. Researchers from the US and abroad use the Basque Studies Library to conduct research on Basque topics. The CBS, founded in 1967 under the name "Basque Studies Program", publishes a bi-annual newsletter that is sent to ten thousand subscribers worldwide. In 1989 a group of alumni and people connected with the Program founded the dance group Zenbat Gara. Today, independent of the Center, it is comprised of young Basques, Basque-Americans, and even Americans who before joining had no particular connection to Basque things.

15.2 THE WESTERN BASQUE FESTIVAL, 1959
Throughout its history Reno has been passed through by Basques from California and other parts of the West. In 1959, Basques born in the area organized the First Basque National Festival, which was a resounding success. Over the two days it was attended by five to six thousand Basques and non Basques alike. On the organizing committee were Americans born or with ancestry in Navarre, Lower Navarre, Bizkaia, and Zuberoa.

15.3 NABO IS BORN, 1973
Following this landmark Reno festival other Basque festivals and associations arose throughout the west, among them the local club itself, the Zazpiak Bat Basque Club. In 1973, the North American Basque Organizations, Inc. (NABO) was formed in the city. This was another milestone in the Basque history of the United States, and of fundamental importance to the organization, coordination, and effectiveness of promotion of the Basque culture in the country.

15.4 RENO BASQUE HOTELS
Presumably Reno already had at least one ostatua by the late 19th century. Reference to the Commercial Hotel operated in 1904 by George Etchart remains the first written mention of a Basque hotel in the city. Other hotels were established in the last century, among them the Español, the Indart, Yriberri's, the Toscano, the Santa Fe, the Martin, and Louis' Basque Corner. The last two are still in operation. Martin Orriaga and Josephine Inda opened the Santa Fe in 1929. Its present building was erected in 1949 following a fire, and belongs to the Zubillaga family. Louis Erreguible, from Maule opened Louis' Basque Corner in 1967 and it remains in the family today.

15.5 MONUMENT TO THE SHEEPHERDER
One mile from downtown, with a beautiful view of the city and nearby hills, the Basque Memorial, or Monument to the Basque Sheepherder, was erected in 1989 in an attractive park. To pay homage to the Basque sheepherder, a familiar image in the history of the west, by Americans and Basque alike, a sculpture by Nestor Basterretxea was erected. In recognition of this long history of relations between Euskal Herria and Nevada, Reno and Donostia-San Sebastian in 1990 signed an agreement that declares them sister cities.