
Sonoma County’s Native American heritage is deeply rooted in the land, its history, and the living traditions of its Indigenous communities. Home to several Pomo tribal communities, including the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, and Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians, the region offers opportunities to learn about the area’s Indigenous history while recognizing the contemporary contributions of Native communities. During November, Native American Heritage Month provides an opportunity for visitors to explore this heritage through cultural programming, educational events, and contemporary Native voices. At Santa Rosa Junior College’s Multicultural Museum, the exhibition Standing in Her Power: Portraits Beyond the Colonial Frame, featuring photographer Alexa LexMex Treviño, explores the identities, experiences, and representation of Native American women. The exhibition opens November 3, 2026, and runs through March 16, 2027, with an opening reception scheduled for November 14. On November 4, the Roseland Regional Library in Santa Rosa will host The Native Story of Sonoma County, a presentation by Paul Steward, an enrolled member of the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians and professor, exploring Native American history from ancient times to the present, with a focus on Sonoma County. On November 17, Sonoma State University will host its Native American Student Success Symposium, bringing together students, tribal communities, faculty, and educational partners to discuss opportunities and support for Native American students. A community lunch honoring Native American Heritage Month will follow the symposium. Visitors can also explore the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center in Santa Rosa, an Indigenous-operated institution dedicated to preserving and sharing California Indian history and contemporary cultures. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and Native-created artwork, the museum provides a deeper understanding of the region’s Indigenous communities and their continuing cultural contributions. Images here. Together, these experiences offer visitors a meaningful opportunity to engage with Sonoma County’s Native heritage as a living part of the destination today. For more information, visit Sonoma County Tourism’s website.