Chairwoman's Message
Dear California Tribal Leaders,
On behalf of the California Tribal Chairpersons Association (CTCA), it is my honor to invite you to join us for two important days celebrating Tribal sovereignty, leadership, and the strength of California's Tribal Nations.
Please join us on Thursday, September 24, 2026, for the CTCA Meeting and the California Native American Day Tribal Leaders Forum, followed by the 59th Annual California Native American Day celebration on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the California State Capitol.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
CTCA Annual Meeting
9:00 a.m.
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Sacramento, California
The CTCA Meeting provides an opportunity for Tribal Leaders to receive organizational updates, discuss priorities impacting Tribal Nations throughout California, and continue strengthening our collective advocacy on behalf of Tribal governments.
California Tribal Leaders Forum
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Golden 1 Center
Sacramento, California
The Tribal Leaders Forum has become one of the signature events surrounding California Native American Day. The evening brings together Tribal Leaders, state leaders, legislators, agency representatives, and invited guests for meaningful discussion on issues affecting Tribal Nations while recognizing the government-to-government relationships that continue to strengthen throughout California.
To ensure adequate seating for all invitees, we respectfully ask that each Tribe limit attendance to two representatives for Tribal Leaders Forum.
Please RSVP by September 11th, using the following link:
RSVP: https://TribalLeadersForum2026.eventbrite.com (opens in new tab)
For your convenience, a room block has been reserved at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. Please note, a room block is reserved for both September 23rd and 24th so please update the check-in date to meet your travel schedule. Reservations may be made here:
Hotel Reservations: California Tribal Chairpersons’ Association Annual Meeting Booking Link(opens in new tab)
Friday, September 25, 2026
59th Annual California Native American Day
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
California State Capitol, West Steps
This year's theme, "Inherent Sovereignty: Tribal Nations Fighting to Protect Our People and Defend Our Land," recognizes the enduring sovereignty of California Tribal Nations and honors the leadership, resilience, and advocacy that continue to protect our cultures, communities, and homelands.
Hosted by CTCA, in partnership with Assemblymember James Ramos and the California Native American Legislative Caucus, California Native American Day has grown into one of the largest annual gatherings of Tribal Nations at the State Capitol. The event celebrates California Native cultures while educating the public and reaffirming the unique government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and the State of California.
Also attached is this year's official California Native American Day poster featuring original artwork by Carl Avery (Yurok). We encourage you to display the poster at your Tribal offices and other locations and to help us spread the word throughout your Nations.
Finally, I invite you to consider supporting this year's celebration through sponsorship. Sponsorships directly help make these events possible, allowing us to provide a meaningful gathering that honors Tribal Nations, educates thousands of attendees, and continues the long-standing tradition of California Native American Day.
Please see the attached sponsorship letter for sponsorship levels and recognition opportunities. To be included on this year's event shirts, we must receive your sponsorship commitment by August 28th.
Thank you for your continued leadership and your partnership with CTCA. We look forward to welcoming you to Sacramento as we gather together to celebrate our Tribal Nations, strengthen our relationships, and continue advancing the important work before us.
Respectfully,
Erica M. Pinto, Chairwoman
Jamul Indian Village of California
California Tribal Chairpersons Association
