This Saturday, Republic FC and Wilton Rancheria will host the club’s annual Native American Heritage Night game to recognize the Indigenous community in the greater Sacramento area. As part of the celebration, the first 1,500 fans will receive a Native American Heritage Night limited edition scarf — crafted the theme of the club’s new Strength In Motion kit inspired by Wilton Rancheria’s Great Seal — special vendors with ties to the region’s Indigenous cultures, a presentation of the Indigenous Future Leaders Scholarship, and more activations tied to Native American history and culture.
The club will debut its Strength In Motion kit — a tribute to the generations of Native people who have inhabited the region since time immemorial.
Before the team takes the field and thousands are welcomed to Heart Health Park for a special evening, we spoke with Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango and asked him about what makes the evening special.
How important is it to recognize the Native American community in the Sacramento area?
Recognizing the Native American community in the Sacramento region is incredibly important because Indigenous people have been a part of this place since time immemorial. Sacramento has a deep Native history, and today, Tribal Nations and Native people continue to contribute to the cultural, economic, and civic fabric of our region.
For Wilton Rancheria, opportunities like Native American Heritage Night allow us to share that history and create greater awareness of the Native communities who call this region home. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and continued presence of Indigenous people not only as part of our history, but as an important part of our region’s present and future.
This night isn’t just about highlighting Wilton Rancheria, but all Indigenous people. Why is that such an important focus?
Native American Heritage Night is bigger than any one Tribe. While Wilton Rancheria is proud to help bring this celebration to life, we recognize and honor the many Tribal Nations, Native families, cultures, and communities that make up the broader Indigenous community.
Every Tribe has its own history, traditions, languages, and experiences. At the same time, there are shared experiences that connect Indigenous people, including a relationship to land, culture, community, and the responsibility to carry those traditions forward.
We want this night to be a celebration where Native people can see themselves represented and where our neighbors can learn more about the diverse Indigenous communities that have always been, and continue to be, a part of Sacramento.
Why do you think it is vital to offer a scholarship for the younger generation of Indigenous future scholars?
Investing in Indigenous students is an investment in the future of our communities. Education creates opportunities, opens doors, and gives young people the tools to become the leaders, professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates of the next generation.
Scholarships can make an important difference by helping remove some of the financial barriers that can stand between a student and their educational goals. But beyond the financial support, it sends an important message: we believe in you, we see your potential, and we want to help you succeed.
What are some ways individuals can get involved with supporting their local community, specifically the Native American community?
One of the most meaningful ways to support the Native American community is simply to learn. Learn about the Tribal Nations in your area, their histories, cultures, and the issues that are important to their communities.
People can also support Native-owned businesses and artists, attend cultural events, visit Native museums and educational programs, and look for opportunities to support organizations that are working directly with Indigenous communities.
