Land Acknowledgment for Napa Valley StreamFest

At Napa Valley StreamFest, we recognize that we gather on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Miwok, Patwin, and Wappo peoples. These Indigenous communities have stewarded this region for thousands of years, and their rich cultural heritage continues to shape the land we celebrate today.

We acknowledge that this land has a history marked by colonization, genocide, and forced removal, which has resulted in ongoing violations against the sovereignty and rights of its original inhabitants. The Miwok, Patwin, and Wappo peoples, who have cared for this land long before our festival, remain an integral part of its history and future.

The vibrant sun that shines on Napa Valley today has warmed the hearts and homes of the Indigenous peoples, while the mountains and valleys continue to hold sacred significance as places of gathering and reverence. The natural beauty that surrounds us—its trees, rivers, and landscapes—stands as a testament to the enduring relationship these communities maintain with their land.

As we celebrate creativity, storytelling, and connection through film and media, we commit to honoring this land and its first inhabitants. We understand that words alone cannot undo the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples, and we pledge to work in solidarity with the Miwok, Patwin, and Wappo communities, striving for equity and justice in all our endeavors.