On Saturday, November 7th, the Cherokees of Northern Central Valley were honored to represent Cherokee Nation and our at-large community here as part of the third annual Native American Heritage (ᏧᎾᏓᎴᏅᎢ, Tsu-na-da-le-nv-i, heritage) Month Parade.
As a community of citizens living away from our reservation, it means a lot to us to come together to celebrate and show we are a living, vibrant culture. This is not just about remembering our history, but celebrating that we are thriving, contributing, and carrying our heritage forward for many generations to come. We’re proud to stand in unity with all the Native nations represented today!
ᏩᏙ Wado (thank you) to all the organizers, participants, and especially our wonderful members who came out today to make it extra special. We had an impressive turnout with so much joy and pride.
Please join us in walking next year!
— Sabrina McKinney, CNCV Chair
RIBBON CUTTING: California Indian Heritage Center
Speaking of heritage, the day before the parade, CNCV Board members attended the historic and highly-anticipated ribbon cutting at the new California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC). There were many cultural demonstrations and speakers, including Assemblymember James Ramos
The CIHC is at Phase 1 or 3 currently, consisting of a Welcome Plaza with interpretative signage, parking, and bathrooms. The park is open Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm for visiting.
The 51-acre California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC) site, at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers in West Sacramento, is at the center of the thriving urban State Capitol region. Once complete, the CIHC will draw visitors from across California, the nation, and the world to this center of statewide significance for cultural preservation, learning and exchange, land stewardship based on Native American values, and a place to engage all visitors in celebrating the living cultures of California tribe communities. In June 2019, the City of West Sacramento completed the transfer of its 43-acre parcel to California State Parks to realize the long-desired build out of the CIHC. The site’s design and development began in earnest with the commitment in the Governor’s 2018-2019 budget to invest $100 million in state funds. Future phases will be funded by donations.
View more here: Home - California Indian Heritage Center
