Celebrating Indigenous Peoples in the Sacramento Region

Before we can indulge in the Sacramento Region's rich and diverse history that has changed over the years, we must celebrate and honor Indigenous Peoples' voices and stories.

Land Acknowledgment

The Sacramento Region has a rich and diverse history, in which we must honor and celebrate the Indigenous Peoples in the Sacramento Area. We want to respectfully acknowledge the Nisenan people and the Plains Miwok/Me-Wuk Peoples south of the American River, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations.

Map provided by the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

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We would also like to acknowledge the Southern Maidu people to the North and the Patwin Wintun People toward the west of the Sacramento River. We are fully acknowledging that we are operating on the tribal lands of Sacramento’s Indigenous people.


Why Land Acknowledgement? What is its purpose?

Land acknowledgments are important practices for institutions such as businesses and schools to establish. The purpose of a land acknowledgment serves as public recognition and invitation to uplift the narratives of the Indigenous Peoples who have been displaced from their homelands due to colonialism, genocide, and environmental changes.

In order for us to tell the story of Rancho Cordova, we must acknowledge and share the history of the Indigenous Peoples in the Sacramento Region. We invite you, dear reader, on this journey of continued education and service toward celebrating Indigenous Peoples not just in the Sacramento Area, but around the world.

Call to Action

There are many ways to celebrate and honor the region’s Indigenous Peoples aside from land acknowledgment. Visiting the California State Indian Museum (Historic State Park) is a great interactive way to learn more about the pre-colonial livelihood of Californian Indigenous Peoples. Not only can you observe the various cultural items, but the park’s website also offers programs that help the community reconnect to nature and teach the importance of environmental sustainability and care.

Visiting the CA State Indian Museum is an engaging learning experience; it is also easy to get there from Rancho Cordova. Get on US-50 W from either Zinfandel Drive or Sunrise Boulevard, and follow US-50 W to 30th Street in Sacramento. You will take exit 7A from I-80BL East to get to K Street.

Another immersive opportunity is attending one of the annual events hosted by The Buena Vista Rancheria: Me-Wuk Indians that celebrate California Indigenous peoples that have inhabited the land. The Sacramento Native American Health Center offers many resources and opportunities to support and connect with the Indigenous Peoples in the area. You can donate, volunteer, or learn more by clicking this link.

Education & Additional Resources

Many tribes are still active within the Sacramento Region such as Buena Vista Rancheria: Me-Wuk Indians, Shingle Springs Rancheria: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, and Wilton Rancheria. Each tribe has a link to additional education on their tribe’s history as well as the contact information of people to reach out to which is linked below:

Buena Vista Rancheria: Me-Wuk Indians HISTORY

Wilton Rancheria TRIBAL HISTORY

Shingle Springs Rancheria DEPARTMENTS

The U.S. Department of Arts and Culture offers a link to their Honor Native Land Guide that features how to properly do a land acknowledgment as well as educational resources on what you can do beyond land acknowledgment. You may also view their Honor Native Land gallery to download and promote #HonorNativeLand Art here.

Artwork & Design by Warren Montoya-Tamaya & Kha'po Owingeh Jaclyn Roessel-Dine

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