Carson City to honor Wungnema family for stonemasonry contributions

The children of Randall and Hope Posas-Wungnema cordially invite the public to join them on Saturday, Oct. 7 for the screening of “W is for Wungnema” a presentation detailing the family’s many and varied masonry projects throughout Northern Nevada and Northern California.

The Wungnema family members are Native American stonemasons who built many of the pink stone buildings in Carson City and on the Stewart Campus using Rhyolite from the family’s numerous quarries. The family also numerous commercial and governmental buildings in Carson City, including the gates at the Lone Mountain Cemetery, the Multi-Purpose Athletic Center (MAC) and the Burton and Pearl Talas-Wungnema House in Mills Park.

For the past 80 years, this family of Hopi stonemasons has made significant contributions to Northern Nevada’s economic and cultural development. Some people consider their trademark pink stone buildings to be artistry in stone.

“As we drive around Carson City, we can still see the wonderful stonework of our forefathers and we would like to share, with our community, the beauty that we see," said Evelyn Wungnema-Larkin, spokesperson for the family. "Our family is excited to share our history in stone with the public and we hope that everyone can attend and share this special day with us.”

The patriarch of the Wungnema Family, Ernest, came to Nevada in 1937, when he was recruited by then superintendent of the Stewart Indian School, Frederick Snyder, to work and train others as stonemasons at the school.

"These stone buildings are unique to the Stewart Indian School, setting it apart from other Indian boarding schools and making Stewart a centerpiece for the state and the nation," said Sherry L. Rupert, Executive Director, Nevada Indian Commission. "The work of the Hopi stonemasons, and specifically that of Ernest and Randall Wungnema, is exceptional. These buildings still stand and serve as a testament to the craftsmanship of the masons and the Stewart students they trained. The Nevada Indian Commission is committed to preserving the buildings and Stewart campus for future generations.”

“W is for Wungnema” is collaboration between the members of the Wungnema-Talas families and Lee-Ann Keever. The children of Randall and Hope Posas-Wungnema gave Ms. Keever the sole and exclusive rights to create and produce this presentation.

The family members and Ms. Keever, with the assistance of Ms. Sandie Nicholson, have been working together for the past 10 months, documenting the family’s masonry projects and history in Northern Nevada, Northern California and beyond.

Ms. Keever noted that she was “honored and thrilled” to have worked with the Wungnemas and Ms. Nicholson on this project, which is of “significant historical importance to Northern Nevada, especially to the residents of Carson City.”

“W is for Wungnema” will be held at the Stewart Baptist Community Church at 5340 Snyder Avenue in Carson City. The church, located on the grounds of the Stewart Indian School, was specifically selected as it was built by Ernest, Randall and Burton Wungnema. There will be a potluck brunch social at 11 a.m. Those attending are encouraged, but not required, to bring their favorite side dish to share with the other attendees. The presentation will start at 12:30 pm and will be held in the church proper.

For additional information, contact either Sandie Nicholson at 775-315-2613 or Lee-Ann Keever at 775-230-1424.