The flag of the Wilton Rancheria now flies alongside Elk Grove’s city flag in what leaders said is a historic moment for both city and tribe. The Wilton Rancheria banner was sent aloft in a mid-morning ceremony Monday joining the United States, California state and Elk Grove flags at Elk Grove City Hall, 8401 Laguna Palms Way.
The flag, a symbol of the tribe’s long and hard-fought sovereignty, the ways its people have given to the Elk Grove community, and ties to land that date back, in Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen’s remarks, to time immemorial, launches the city’s commemoration of Native American Heritage Month.
“Let us honor, respect and acknowledge Elk Grove’s first inhabitants, the Plains Miwok, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land and these waterways since time immemorial,” Singh-Allen said at the morning ceremony. “We acknowledge that Elk Grove’s story — and the story of this region — is intertwined with the rich heritage and continued presence of the Wilton Rancheria,” the Elk Grove mayor said. “This flag will fly proudly as a daily reminder of our partnership, deep respect, and shared stewardship for this community.”
The Wilton Rancheria is the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County. Its long road to federal recognition dates back to when that status was stripped some 60 years ago and only restored in 2009. The court battles that followed won the tribe a crucial gaming compact, and the ability to buy the land that would become home to Sky River Casino.
The resulting revenue has helped the small tribe improve housing, health care and educational opportunities and strengthen ties with its Elk Grove neighbor and partner. Wilton Rancheria pledged to invest $186 million in the city and Sacramento County over the next 20 years to support public safety and education, roads and other services once the casino opened in 2022. The Monday ceremony was paved by an Elk Grove City Council vote earlier this year to create a permanent display that included the Wilton Rancheria flag. “This change reflects more than just a policy update,” Singh-Allen said in her remarks. “It reflects our deep respect for the tribe’s history, sovereignty, and enduring connection to this land.”