The NATIVE Tobacco Project traveled to Sacramento to take part in Information and Education Days, also known as I&E Days, an annual event that brings together tobacco prevention programs from across California. For our team, this journey meant so much more than attending meetings. It was an opportunity to uplift the voices of our Tribal communities, share the experiences and concerns that matter most to our people, and honor the strength, resilience, and care that continue to guide this work every day. Carrying those voices into the Capitol was both a privilege and a reminder of how deeply rooted this work is in love for our communities and hope for future generations.
During the visit, staff met with legislative aides for Assemblymember Chris Rogers and Senator Mike McGuire, alongside other tobacco prevention projects from those districts. Together, the groups spoke about the very real ways commercial tobacco continues to affect local communities, including the environmental impact of tobacco waste, the ways youth are exposed to tobacco-related issues at school and in everyday life, and the continuing need for prevention, education, and support. What made these conversations especially meaningful was the shared sense of purpose in the room. Coming together with other programs from across the state was a powerful reminder that our communities are not alone, and that every story shared helps bring greater understanding, visibility, and momentum to this important work.
The team also participated in a meeting with the Native Affairs Caucus through Assemblymember James Ramos’s office, where they met with legislative assistant Hugo Chavez. This was a particularly special moment in the trip, as it created space for Tribal tobacco projects to speak directly about how commercial tobacco continues to impact Native communities while also highlighting the dedicated work being done to protect community health. It was a meaningful opportunity to speak from the heart, to share both challenges and hopes, and to celebrate the leadership, wisdom, and commitment that Tribal communities continue to bring to this work.
The trip also offered time for learning, relationship-building, and reflection. Being in Sacramento alongside other programs committed to reducing the harms of commercial tobacco was uplifting and affirming. Each meeting, each handout shared, and each conversation served as a reminder that community knowledge is powerful and deserves to be heard in every space where decisions are made. These moments of connection strengthened relationships, deepened understanding, and celebrated the importance of working together in support of healthier, stronger communities.
Most of all, this experience was a beautiful reminder that advocacy begins with community and is sustained by the love, care, and commitment people carry for one another. The NATIVE Tobacco Project was honored to represent local voices in these conversations and proud to stand alongside others who are working toward healthier futures for Native communities. Bringing these concerns and stories to Sacramento is one important way of making sure our communities are seen, heard, and respected. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this work, celebrate the strength of our communities, and continue building a healthier future for the generations to come.
