Alina Sanchez, 16
Tribe: Wilton Miwok
Youth Council: Native Sister Circle
Alina Sanchez is a proud Wilton Rancheria tribal member and a dedicated youth leader with Our Native Sister Circle. Since 2019, she has been an active participant, growing into a powerful voice for her community. She combines cultural pride, advocacy, and leadership with a strong commitment to social justice.
In 2023, Alina led the first-ever Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) March in the Sacramento area—an historic and emotional event that brought critical attention to the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women. Her courage and vision in leading this march have made her a respected young advocate throughout the region.
Alina is also known for regularly offering land acknowledgments at community events and organizational gatherings across Sacramento and beyond. She proudly represents both her Wilton Rancheria heritage and Our Native Sister Circle. Her words show a deep understanding of why it’s so important to honor Indigenous lands and voices, and she is often called upon to open events with these powerful acknowledgments.
As an honors student and academic achiever, Alina balances her leadership work with her education, always making time to participate in leadership events, youth forums, and cultural gatherings. Her presence uplifts and inspires other young Native women to step into their own power and purpose.
She plays a key role every year in organizing and supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month events alongside Our Native Sister Circle and the Wilton Tribe. Her advocacy is rooted in love for her people and a strong belief in healing and visibility for Native women and youth.
Whether she’s leading a march, speaking on behalf of her tribe, or helping younger girls find their voice, Alina leads with strength, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. She is not only a rising leader—she is a living example of what it means to honor your ancestors while shaping the future.
Alina says, “I am honored to announce my intention to run for office. As a proud youth leader, a member of the Wilton Rancheria, and a long-time participant in Our Native Sister Circle, I’m stepping forward not just for myself, but for the many youth whose voices deserve to be heard, seen, and valued.”
Growing up and leading in Sacramento, California—the state capital—Alina has learned firsthand how critical representation is, especially in our Pacific region. “Far too often, Native youth voices are left out of the decision-making spaces that affect our future. I believe it’s time to change that.” By running for office, she hopes to bring visibility to Indigenous communities and make sure youth like her have a permanent seat at the table.
Leadership isn’t new to Alina. It’s a responsibility she has carried with honor for years. From organizing Sacramento’s first MMIW March to offering land acknowledgments at public events, she has dedicated herself to representing her people and culture with respect and strength. Her involvement in Domestic Violence Awareness Month has deepened her commitment to advocacy, healing, and unity.
She believes deeply in the power of youth voice: “We are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today.” For Alina, this journey has never been about recognition for herself, but about creating space for all youth who feel like their stories, their culture, and their futures have been overlooked. “I carry them with me in every speech, every march, and every circle I sit in.”
Running for office is not just a campaign for Alina—it’s a commitment. A commitment to serve, to uplift, and to transform systems that have historically left Indigenous youth behind. She’s ready to take that step, and hopes to inspire others to step with her.