BROOKS, CA – More than 250 tribal, non-profit and community leaders gathered as the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation celebrated the collective impact of its philanthropic partnerships and honored three organizations at its 2026 Partners in Philanthropy event.
Centered on the theme “Sowing the Seeds of Hope,” the annual gathering brought together representatives from more than 100 organizations supported by Yocha Dehe. In 2026 alone, the tribe has provided more than $20 million to organizations supporting communities, environmental stewardship and programs serving Native people and others in need.
“Hope requires more than optimism,” said Anthony Roberts, Tribal Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. “It requires work. It is something we plant, nurture and grow together. The people and organizations we celebrate are the doers. Through their dedication and care for others, they are creating the kind of lasting change that gives all of us hope for the future.”
Yocha Dehe’s formal philanthropy program has now been carried forward by three generations of tribal citizens, reflecting a longstanding Patwin tradition of caring for the land and sharing with surrounding communities.
This year, Acorns to Oak Trees received the Tahtimihn Award, while the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) and Department of Sound each received an Outstanding Community Service Award.
“These honorees exemplify extraordinary service and the hope that grows when people come together with purpose, compassion and a commitment to making a difference,” said Mia Durham, Yocha Dehe Tribal Secretary and Chair of the Yocha Dehe Community Fund. “Their work strengthens communities today while creating opportunities for children, families, and future generations to thrive.”
Founded by Season Goodpasture, M.S., Acorns to Oak Trees works to improve access to developmental services and resources for California Native children and families. The Tahtimihn Award, named for the Patwin word meaning “star,” recognizes a partner for its service and impact in the communities it serves.
NICWA, led by Sarah Kastelic, PhD, MSW, works to strengthen the well-being of Native children and families through training, advocacy, research and resources supporting Indian child welfare practices. Department of Sound, led by Co-Founder and CEO John Hamilton, expands access to recording arts education and provides young people, storytellers, musicians and artists with opportunities to develop their skills and share their work.
Yocha Dehe’s philanthropic efforts are carried out primarily through the Yocha Dehe Community Fund and Doyuti T’uhkama. Established in 2000, the Community Fund has awarded more than $46 million and established partnerships with more than 500 organizations, with approximately $2.5 million awarded annually.
In 2016, Yocha Dehe established Doyuti T’uhkama, meaning “to give the acorn” in Patwin, to direct funding made available through the tribe’s tribal-state gaming compact toward qualifying initiatives in California and Native communities nationwide. Since its establishment, the program has allocated more than $205 million to 161 projects supporting areas including tribal sovereignty, Native cultural resource protection, health and wellness, education and infrastructure within Patwin traditional territory.
“Much like our tribe has carefully tended our homelands since time immemorial, hope is a seed that must be planted, nurtured, and tended by all of us,” said Chairman Roberts. “Together, we are sowing seeds that will continue to grow and make a difference for generations to come.”
