The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, operators of Red Hawk Casino in Placerville, has been making significant strides in reclaiming their ancestral lands across Sacramento. The tribe, once known as the Sacramento Band of Verona Homeless Indians, has come full circle with recent land acquisitions that reconnect them to their indigenous heritage.
In a landmark move, the tribe purchased the 301 Capitol Mall property in downtown Sacramento for $17 million in 2024. This prime real estate near their original village of Pusúune symbolizes a powerful reclamation of their history.
“Being able to bring our people back to the land where we started and get back in touch with the cultural practices that were born there is such an important thing for our community, but also for the city of Sacramento as a whole.”— Regina Cuellar, Chairwoman, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
“Being able to bring our people back to the land where we started and get back in touch with the cultural practices that were born there is such an important thing for our community,” says Chairwoman Regina Cuellar, “but also for the city of Sacramento as a whole. It allows all of us to connect to the history of our region and to learn where we came from and how we got where we are today.”
The tribe’s efforts to reconnect with their past extend beyond Sacramento. They recently acquired the Verona Marina, a poignant return to the area where their ancestors once resided.
Since her election as chairwoman in 2018, Cuellar has been instrumental in driving the tribe’s initiatives forward. Her leadership has focused on balancing progress with cultural preservation. Cuellar serves as the voice for her people, advocating for their interests and working tirelessly to strengthen the tribe’s connection to its heritage.
Under Cuellar’s guidance, the tribe has expanded its influence beyond land acquisitions. She actively participates in broader regional and state initiatives, serving on the Greater Sacramento Economic Council (GSEC) and the Commission on the State of Hate. These roles allow her to represent tribal interests in wider economic and social discussions.
Red Hawk Casino, opened in 2008, has played a crucial role in the tribe’s economic development. The tribe’s success has enabled them to reinvest in its community, including building homes for tribal members. For one current initiative, the tribe is constructing houses for tribal members with 100% of profits being channeled back into the community.
As the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians continues to reclaim their ancestral lands and strengthen their community, they are writing a new chapter in their history — one that honors their past while building a sustainable future for generations to come.
