Myron Charles Dewey, 49, of Schurz, Nevada died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 26, 2021, from injuries sustained in a car crash. His loss was completely unexpected and the family is shocked and deeply saddened.
Myron is a citizen of the Walker River Paiute Tribe. His numunanea (Indian Name) is Ahu-auh-bud-shoe-knaw-me "Strong Thinker".
Myron was born on July 16, 1972, to Herbert Dini Jr. of Schurz and Cynthia Dewey of Bishop, CA in Schurz, Nevada. Myron attended Gabbs K-12 Schools. Myron joined the BIA Western Nevada One Firefighting crew out of Carson City. Shortly after, he joined the Black Mountain Hotshot Crew fighting fires throughout the Western United States. During this time Myron received his GED, later attending Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence Kansas receiving an Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
Myron returned to Schurz with the goal of using his education to give back to his tribal community. He innovated the use of technology in his tribe’s language revitalization efforts along with advocating for an Internet infrastructure to improve education for future generations. He founded his business, Digital Smoke Signals, during this time.
Myron’s motivation for success always included family, culture, and language. With these in mind, Myron enrolled in the Indigenous Nations Studies Master’s program at the University of Kansas. Receiving his degree in 2007. Myron continued applying his education and experience to contract with Indigenous nations and communities in articulating the 21st Century technology mindset focusing on online media/film and bridging the digital divide in our communities.
Myron met the love of his life, Deborah Parker, in Tulalip, Washington. During his time in Washington, he began teaching college technology courses with Northwest Indian College including digital media and mobile app building. Focused on the youth, Myron continued his work contracting with tribes to provide video/film editing and mobile app projects. In 2014, Myron experienced a near-fatal medical complication. Through prayer and a strong, enduring spirit, he survived. This experience was a defining moment in his life. This led to an even stronger renewed effort to promote and advocate for all Indigenous peoples.
Myron’s connection to his ancestors and Creator was stronger than ever. It was at this point, he accepted and acknowledged his path forward was guided by the Great Spirit. His path led him to Standing Rock, North Dakota standing with the Water Protectors in 2016. His life, as he knew it, was changed forever. Myron’s efforts solidified his legacy as a protector for all our people (tamme no’oko numudooe). Myron received worldwide acclaim and awards for his drone work and Awake documentary. He was a visiting professor at Duke University and MIT as well.
Myron traveled the world sharing his knowledge, prayers, and passion for Indigenous peoples in Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. He was a 2010 AIO Ambassador alumni. He was a fierce advocate for MMIW, Thacker Pass, boarding school historical/cultural trauma, and against the proposed lithium mine at PeeHee Mu'ha.
Myron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to everyone. Myron is preceded in death by Harlan Dewey (Uncle), Gary Dewey, Sr. (Uncle) Moo’a Ridgley Bill (Grandmother), Stanford Leef, Jr. (Uncle), Roland Jackon Jr. (Uncle), Ralph Rivas (Uncle), Sampson Dewey, Sr (Uncle), Sampson Dewey Jr. (Cousin), Joe McCann (Uncle), Ed McCann (Grandpa), Mamie Dempsey (great grandma), Betty Dini-Rogers (Grandmother), Herbert Dini (Grandfather), and Alfred Rogers (Grandfather).
He is survived by Deborah Parker (Wife), Herbert Dini Jr. (Father), Cynthia Dewey (Mother), Brothers: Darrell Brown, Alex Herrera, Sean Hooper, Josh Dini, Herbert Dini III, Matthew Dini, and Francisco Dini Sisters: Rena Hooper, Gina Dini, Sofia Dina. Children: Joseph Dewey, Taylor Dewey, Wetuah Dewey, Kayah George, Cedar George-Parker, and Jonathan West (too'a). He is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Myron is a Protector of the Sacred. He carried the natusooa (medicine) for the people. He offered the medicine to all in need.
Myron’s Viewing will be held Thursday, 9/30 at 5-6 pm for immediate family, and 6-8 pm for friends & family at Smith’s Funeral Home 505 Rio Vista Drive Fallon, NV. 89406.
Myron’s Cry Dance will be held Friday, 10/1 at 6 pm (dusk), dress warm (outside), at the Walker River Paiute Reservation on Myron’s property (follow signs) Schurz, NV 89427.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, 10/2 at 11 am Walker River Gym, 1127 Cotton Wood Drive, Schurz, NV 89427 with a Water Protector escort from Gym to Cemetery. *Traditional dinner to follow
If we omitted anyone, we apologize in advance.
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