October 19, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 178 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page S6326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING NORMAN HARRY

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I come forward today to 
recognize the life and service of Norman Harry, wise leader of the 
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, fierce advocate for the environment and a 
friend to all Nevadans. On the morning of August 11, 2020, Mr. Harry 
passed peacefully at his home in Nixon, NV, his family surrounding him 
in love. He was 65 years old.
  Mr. Harry was born to Floyd and Charlotte Harry on October 20, 1954, 
and was raised on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation in addition to 
spending time with family on the Walker River Paiute Reservation. At 
Fernley High School, he played basketball and was a member of the rodeo 
club, going on to gain recognition as a competitive team roper and 
talented rodeo photographer as a young man.
  On December 21, 1990, he married Beverly, and together, they have a 
son, Jared, and a daughter, Autumn. He was dedicated to his family and 
to his people and was recognized as a national leader in the 
environmental justice movement as he was a tireless advocate for his 
people, the lands, the water, and the bounty our natural world 
provides.
  Mr. Harry's legacy includes his historic work protecting Northern 
Nevada's Pyramid Lake. Under his leadership, the Truckee River 
Operating Agreement was completed and settled decades of litigation 
over water rights and preserving the flow of water to Pyramid Lake and 
securing it for future generations.
  Over the years, Mr. Harry served in many roles for the Pyramid Lake 
Paiute Tribe, including as Tribal chair for three terms and vice chair. 
He fought many battles to protect water quality in northern Nevada and 
waged a multiyear battle that ended the open burning of munitions at 
the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, CA, a practice that sent toxic clouds 
eastward over the nearby Pyramid Lake Paiute tribal lands and northern 
Nevada. In 2005, he fought for the removal of 13 tons of rockets, 
shells, and ammunition from Pyramid Lake left by the military going 
back to World War II. He served as chairman of the board for Great 
Basin Mine Watch and, through his life, urged other Tribal leaders to 
get involved in protecting groundwater and environmental resources for 
the people. He mentored and taught countless other activists and 
organizers to champion issues of environmental protection.
  Today, I celebrate the life and many contributions of Mr. Norman 
Harry, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family and Pyramid 
Lake Paiute Tribe. The State of Nevada is a better place because we 
were lucky enough to call Norman Harry one of our own. His activism, 
leadership, knowledge, and voice will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________