Heritage

Many years ago, the federal government labeled us the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians because we had a village site close to the town of Rumsey. For decades, we have lived under this name, which for us has no cultural meaning. 

Today and moving forward, acting on our own behalf as a sovereign nation, and in our own language, we have created a name for ourselves that does have meaning.  We are now the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

Yocha Dehe–pronounced “YO-cha DEE-hee”–means “home by the spring water” and takes us back to our origins, our roots, our land. As the historical inhabitants of California’s Capay Valley, our homeland is at the heart of our culture and heritage.

We are a forward-looking, independent, self-governed nation that supports our people and community by strengthening our culture, stewarding our land and creating positive economic impacts and security for our future generations.