El Dorado County (April 2, 2024) – Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Reclaim Ancestral Homelands with Downtown Sacramento Purchase
In a monumental step towards reclaiming their ancestral heritage, the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has acquired 2.39 acres of land nestled in downtown Sacramento, California. The parcel, situated at 301 Capitol Mall, lies at the heart of the city, bordered by Capitol Mall to the south, L St. to the north, and 3rd and 4th streets to the west and east. Zoned as C-3 SPD, APN 006-0141-043, this acquisition marks a significant milestone for the tribe.
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Chairwoman Regina Cuellar expressed the profound significance of this acquisition, stating,
“This site is located near the Tribe’s original village of Pusinine in downtown Sacramento. The land is part of the foundation of our existence. It is where our ancestors lived and flourished. By re-acquiring our ancestral lands, we’re reclaiming our history, our traditions, and a deeper connection to our ancestors.”
Cuellar’s words underscore the deep-rooted historical ties the tribe holds with the land.
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, a federally-recognized Indian tribe situated near Placerville, California, traces its origins back to 1916 when it was first acknowledged during a census of Indians in Sacramento and Verona, California. Initially recognized as the Sacramento-Verona Band of Homeless Indians, the tribe’s journey has been one of resilience and perseverance. In 1920, the federal government resettled the tribe to a parcel of land now known as the Shingle Springs Rancheria, further solidifying its place in history.
Cuellar emphasized that this purchase not only signifies a return to the tribe’s ancestral roots but also serves as a testament to their commitment to fostering positive relationships within the Sacramento community.
“In celebrating this historic purchase, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our past while continuing to build a future that reflects our shared values and aspirations,”
she added.
Despite the acquisition, the tribe has disclosed no immediate plans for the site. However, the purchase of the 301 Capitol Mall parcel stands as another significant addition to the tribe’s portfolio of ancestral sites, further enriching their cultural heritage and strengthening their bond with their past.
As the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians takes this stride towards reclaiming their heritage, their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience of indigenous communities, as well as the importance of preserving cultural legacies for generations to come.
