The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, formerly the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians, gathered at the capitol building in Sacramento, Calif. Sept. 25.

Tribal Chairman Marshall McKay and Tribal Council members spoke about the importance of Native American Day and recognized their tribal name change before the hundreds of California tribal members, residents and legislators that gathered.

Yocha Dehe youth sang in their traditional dialect, demonstrating the belief that language and cultural expression are at the core of their identity.

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation legally changed its name in early September. Yocha Dehe – pronounced “YO-cha DEE-hee” – is the tribe’s ancestral name meaning “home by the spring water” in their native Patwin language.

The name change marks an important time for the people of Yocha Dehe. It connects the tribe to its heritage and expresses hope for the future. The tribe is located in Brooks, Calif. in Yolo County. They focus their efforts to create a sustainable, self-governed nation so all future generations can determine their own destinies. For more information, visit the tribe’s new Web site.