Celebration of Sovereignty: Sacramento Hosts Second Annual Native American Heritage Month Parade

The capital city of Sacramento is once again preparing to host the Second Annual Native American Heritage Month Parade, a massive cultural demonstration expected to draw hundreds of participants and spectators on Saturday, November 8th. The celebratory event, which commences at 10 a.m., will proceed down the expansive Capitol Mall before concluding with an hour of vibrant cultural performances staged on the west steps of the California State Capitol.

The celebratory procession promises to fill the streets with a spectacular array of floats, horses, specialized vehicles, walkers, performers, color guards, flags, and marching bands, all uniting to celebrate the depth of Native history and contemporary culture. The entire event is made possible through the dedicated sponsorship of various California tribes and the California Native American Legislative Caucus.

The gathering will feature key political figures, including Assemblymember James C. Ramos, who chairs the California Legislative Native American Caucus, alongside fellow members Assemblymembers Patrick Ahrens, Mike Gipson, and Avelino Valencia. Serving as the official emcees for the proceedings will be Chairwoman Sara Dutschke of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians and Vice Chairwoman Raquel Williams of the Wilton Rancheria.

The impressive list of participants includes numerous Tribal entities such as the Shingle Springs, Wilton Rancheria, Berry Creek Rancheria, California Valley Miwok Tribe, North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, El Dorado Band of Miwok, Cherokees of the Greater Central Valley, Cherokees of the West, and Cherokees of Northern Central Valley. These entities are joined by prominent Native American organizations and state agencies dedicated to Indigenous affairs.

Notable organizations include the Tejon Indian Tribe White Wolf Warriors Color Guard, the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs, the Department of Health Care Services’ Office of Tribal Affairs, the CSU Office of Tribal Relations, and the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice at UC Berkeley Law. Community groups such as the American Indian Cultural Center of San Francisco, Native Sisters Circle, Native Dads Network, Inc., the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health, and the California Native Vote Project will also be in attendance. The event also welcomes broader community support from entities like the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento Lowrider Commission, and the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Non-tribal performers contributing to the festive atmosphere will include the UC Davis Marching Band and the Grant High School Pacerettes. The parade is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dedicating the entire day to this essential celebration of Native American heritage.