Los Rios Honors Native American Heritage Month

In November, we observe National Native American Heritage Month – a time to honor the rich cultures, languages, histories, and enduring resilience of Native American Nations. We recognize the sovereignty and invaluable land stewardship practices of Tribal Nations and reflect on Sacramento’s history, which includes the dispossession, challenges, and resilience of present-day Tribal citizens not only in this region but also across the United States.

Los Rios Community College District takes this moment to share the official Land Acknowledgement Statement, which has been carefully crafted in consultation with local Tribes to pay respect to the Tribal Nations. We encourage everyone to reflect on this statement and recognize the history, resilience, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.

"In the spirit of community and social justice, we acknowledge the land on which our four colleges reside as the traditional homelands of the Nisenan, Maidu, and Miwok tribal nations. These sovereign people have been the caretakers of the health of the rivers, the wildlife, the plant life, and the overall eco-social balance in the greater Sacramento region since time immemorial.

Despite centuries of genocide and occupation, the Nisenan, Maidu, and Miwok continue as vibrant and resilient tribes and bands, both Federally recognized and unrecognized. Tribal citizens of these nations continue to be an active and important part of our Los Rios college community. We take this opportunity to acknowledge the land and our responsibility to the original peoples, the present-day Nisenan, Maidu, and Miwok tribal nations."

This month and throughout the year, we are committed to honoring Tribal sovereignty and to continuing our work to establish and maintain legal and ethical relationships with local Tribal Nations. We also support our American Indian and Alaskan Native students and employees.