Tradition & Community

Creating spaces for knowledge to be shared, practiced, and passed from one generation to the next.

Preserving Traditional Knowledge

The Progressive Tribal Alliance protects, teaches, and celebrates Native culture by creating opportunities for Native people to learn directly from Native artists, cultural teachers, elders, and community members. Our programs keep traditional knowledge active and accessible while creating spaces where generations can come together to learn and share.

Through classes in acorn processing, Pomo basket weaving, traditional dressmaking, beading, singing, and other cultural practices, PTA supports the people who carry this knowledge while providing opportunities for others to learn. Our Native Arts Festival and Elders Gathering expand that work by bringing the community together to celebrate Native artists, dancers, culture, traditions, and elders.

Our Initiatives



Native Arts Festival 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027


Large community celebration featuring Native artists, vendors, traditional dancers, cultural demonstrations, food, music, and community organizations.

Pomo Basket Weaving Classes 2025

Cultural instruction in traditional Pomo basket-making techniques taught by Native instructors.

Native Beading Classes 2024, 2025


Hands-on cultural arts instruction centered on Native beadwork.

Elders Gathering 2026, 2027


A dedicated gathering bringing Native elders together for fellowship, cultural connection, conversation, and community.

Acorn Processing Classes 2024, 2025


Hands-on instruction in traditional Native acorn processing and preparation.

Native Dressmaking Classes 2023, 2024, 2025


Multiple classes supporting the teaching and continuation of traditional Native dressmaking.

Coast Pomo Singing Classes 2024–2025


Community instruction supporting the continuation and sharing of traditional Coast Pomo songs.

Cultural Education Programs 2021–Present

Educational activities designed to increase understanding and appreciation of Native culture, history, traditions, and contemporary Native communities.

TOGETHER WE BUILD THE FUTURE

Whether you’re making a donation, volunteering your time, attending an event, or partnering with us, you’re helping us create more opportunities for Native communities in Sonoma County.

“I don't think anybody anywhere can talk about

the future of their people

or of an organization without talking about education.

Whoever controls the education of our children controls our future.”

Wilma Mankiller

Activist, First Woman Principal Chief of Cherokee Nation