Saturday's wet weather didn't do much to dampen the enthusiasm of around 250 people who gathered under the shelter of Alex Thomas Plaza in Ukiah to participate in the Third annual womens march. While leaders of the national womens march face accusations of anti-semitism, and regional marches have faced controversy over lack of diversity, the Ukiah march gave a prominent place to the celebration of Native American women and their culture. There was not a large latino presence at the event but Jacqueline Orozoco gave an impassioned speech about family separation and the immigrant experience.
The event was also celebration of women's achievements, local politicians and community leaders urged more women to run for office, and celebrated the election of the first native women to the US congress, however these achievements were overshadowed by the violence women in this community continue to face.
Bernadette Smith, of the Manchester band of Pomo paid tribute to her sister Nicole Smith with Pomo songs, and invoked the #SayHerName campaign which brings attention to murdered and missing women across the US
in the past year three people in mendocino county have died as a result of domesti cviolence, they are Krissy Orbon, her son Camian Wilkins, and Autumn Smith.
Project Sanctuary has offices in Ukiah and Ft Bragg their 24 hour crisis line is available in English and Spanish and is at 463-help