Sacramento hosted its second annual Native American Heritage Month Parade in November, with hundreds gathering downtown to enjoy music, dance, and art celebrating Native American traditions. "Historically, the state hasn't been good to us, but today we're here to dance and celebrate our culture. It's a new day and a new time," said Joseph James of the Yurok Tribe, according to CBS News Sacramento,
The parade aimed to both celebrate and educate, showing Native culture while reflecting on historical injustices. "That brings a lot of pleasure to me — especially in my heart," shared Roxy Baird, emphasizing the joy and unity the event fostered, as reported by KCRA.
Nearly 1,000 people attended a parade near the State Capitol featuring floats, horses, classic cars, and cultural performances to celebrate Indigenous pride. Raquel Williams of the Wilton Rancheria said, "We were pulled from our places of land. We were pulled from our places of spirit." Young attendees like Fredy Jimenez said, "I like the culture," as per KCRA. Artist Tara Wildcat said, "And when people want to buy my stuff, it makes me feel even more proud that something I made, someone thinks is pretty," as mentioned by CBS News Sacramento. The event was sponsored by California tribes and the California Native American Legislative Caucus, and organizers plan to continue it in the coming years.
