Native American Heritage Night

Native American Heritage Night transforms a civic space—often San Francisco City Hall—into a Native-led gathering that proclaims “we are still here” on Ohlone land. The evening includes an opening blessing and land acknowledgment, drum and dance performances, speakers, art, and recognition of local Native leaders and organizations.

Native American Heritage Night is the Center’s flagship annual celebration in San Francisco’s “people’s house,” City Hall—an evening that asserts “we are still here” on Ohlone land while honoring local Native leaders, culture keepers, and community organizations. The program typically includes an opening blessing and land acknowledgement, drum and dance performances, remarks from community and city leaders, and recognition of Native heroes, along with art, vendors, and refreshments. For the urban Native community, gathering in the rotunda of City Hall is both symbolic and deeply emotional: it turns a civic space into a Native-led circle of visibility, ceremony, and political presence.