Railroads in Native America Forum

An Exploration of the Impact of Railroads in Indigenous Communities
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Railroads in Native America: An Exploration of the Intersection of American Railroading and Indian Country

2026 | Sacramento, CA

In the Summer of 2026, Sacramento — the ancestral homeland of the Nisenan, Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwok, and Patwin Wintun — will host the third Railroads in Native America Forum. This event started in 2019, as the nation was reflecting on the 150th Anniversary of the joining of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroad tracks at Promontory Summit, Utah.

In recognition of the significant impact of railroading in Indian Country, this event seeks to provide a forum to discuss the diverse experiences of Native Americans through the lens of the development of railroads. The multi-day event brings together scholars, artists, musicians, tribal members, and representatives from tribal governments, in partnership with the National Park Service, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, and the California State Railroad Museum and Foundation.

Guiding Questions & Principals


Railroads in Native America Forums are led by these guiding questions:

  • How/why did Native communities resist and/or participate in railroad expansion?
  • In what ways have Native peoples—past and present—used the mobility and marketplace access provided by railroads to protect kin and community?
  • How did railroads, their corporate backers, and the government contribute to the dispossession of Indigenous peoples?
  • How have Indigenous homelands and cultures evolved in response to railroad expansion?
  • What are the lasting impacts from railroad expansion to Tribal communities, lifeways, and ecosystems?

Railroads in Native America Forums are rooted in 7 core principals established by the Union Pacific Railroad Museum:

  • Engage Native artists
  • Deference on all decisions to Native partners
  • Emphasis on synchronous experiences
  • Include non-academic and cultural ways of knowing
  • Free or reduced registration
  • Compensate presenters for attendance and travel if possible
  • Capture this knowledge for the future to ensure impact

The Railroads in Native America Steering Committee seeks out new members for each event. We are honored to have worked with partners including Tribal Nations and community members across the United States in an ongoing initiative by the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.


Let's Collaborate!

RNA Conference 2019 1996

The 2026 Railroads in Native America Steering Committee is seeking representatives from potential "Host Tribes” to play key roles in the development of the Forum. A Host Tribe can be any Native American Tribe who claims the area of Sacramento, CA as a homeland. Host Tribes typically:

  • Refer a minimum of 1-2 representatives to join the Railroads in Native America Steering Committee. These individuals may come from Tribal government or agencies, non-profits, schools, officially affiliated partners, etc.
  • Help identify key members of the community who should lead public engagement in the Tribe’s history and culture as it relates to the Forum.
  • Assist the development of programming that seeks to honor the unique Native American experiences in the region and in connection to railroads.
  • Publicly promote awareness and attendance to the RRNA Forum through their networks.

“Host Tribes” are not required to directly fund the Forum in order to have representatives on the Railroads in Native America Steering Committee.

These volunteers will influence the look, feel, and execution of the Forum. Depending on what subcommittee(s) Steering Committee members choose to join, they will need a minimum of 1-3 hours every month to attend virtual meetings and work on tasks to meet benchmarks.

Please email [email protected] if you would like to get involved.

Call for Artists

Submissions Due: May 1, 2025

The Railroads in Native America Forum is an ongoing event exploring the impact of railroads in Indian Country. Originally initiated by the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in 2019, this event provides a platform to discuss the interrelationships between railroads and Native communities. The 2026 Forum, hosted in Sacramento, CA, marks the third iteration of the event and continues to center Native perspectives on the historical and contemporary significance of railroads.

Submit Your Project

In keeping with this mission, we seek an artist affiliated with a Native American Tribe to create original artwork that will serve as the primary visual identity for the 2026 Railroads in Native America Forum.

Eligibility & Submission Requirements

  • Open to artists affiliated with a Native American Tribe, with preference for those connected to tribes in present-day California.
  • Original artwork. No AI-generated artwork will be accepted.
  • The selected artwork will be featured on the event poster and promotional materials. The artist retains copyright but grants the event partners, unlimited rights to use the image for promotional purposes.

Submission via Google Form must include:

  • Artist’s name, contact information, and tribal affiliation.
  • A brief statement (100-250 words) explaining how the artwork connects to the event theme.
  • A proof-of-concept sketch if the final artwork is still in progress (final piece must be completed within 30 days of selection).
  • Final artwork submission will be a high-quality digital scan of an original, completed artwork. Must be submitted in a high-resolution TIFF file at 300 dpi minimum.

Award

  • The selected artist will receive $1000 as compensation for their work.

Submission & Contact Information

Event Partners

  • Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • California State Railroad Museum Foundation

More Information

RNA Con Ogden 2022 station

Visit for more information about the Forum and to view past events:

More info & Past Events

If you have any questions about the Forum, please reach out to [email protected]

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