November 10, 2025
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is observing Native American Heritage Month with a series of activities that reflect what it means to live Patwin values every day — caring for community, honoring the land, and sharing culture with the next generation.
Throughout November, Yocha Dehe is celebrating its heritage with 3,000 community gift bags, a partnership with local libraries to expand access to Native-authored books and language resources, and the release of new episodes of “Recipes from a Patwin Kitchen” at Séka Hills, highlighting the foods and stories that connect Patwin people to the land.
“For our people, culture is not something we revisit once a year — it’s woven into our daily lives,” said Anthony Roberts, Tribal chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. “Native American Heritage Month offers an opportunity to share what has always guided us: care for one another, respect for our ancestors, and responsibility to the place we call home.”
Since 2021, Yocha Dehe has distributed over 13,000 cultural gift bags — a tradition that continues to grow each year as an expression of gratitude and community connection. Each bag features interactive, do-it-yourself activities that share information about Yocha Dehe’s history, language, and culture.
In partnership with libraries across Yolo and Solano counties, Yocha Dehe is also helping young readers discover stories and languages that reflect Native voices — nurturing understanding and pride in Patwin identity while inviting the broader community to learn and connect.
Meanwhile, new episodes of Recipes from a Patwin Kitchen are premiering weekly on Yocha Dehe’s social media channels. Filmed at the Tribe’s Séka Hills Tasting Room and Olive Mill, the series explores the deep ties between food, culture, and stewardship — blending traditional ingredients with contemporary cooking.
“Each dish tells a story — of the land, of our families, and of how we continue to care for what’s been entrusted to us,” continued Chairman Roberts. “Sharing these recipes is another way of sharing who we are.”
Through these efforts, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation honors the strength and resilience of Patwin people and celebrates a living culture that continues to evolve — rooted in tradition, guided by stewardship, and sustained through community.
To learn more about Native American Heritage Month and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, follow @yochadehewn on social media throughout the month of November.