Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed September 26 as Native American Day in California and signed several bills intended to support tribal communities. The announcement was made as Native American leaders gathered at the State Capitol for the annual celebration.
In his statement, Governor Newsom said, “Native American Day is a celebration of Native culture and achievements, an acknowledgment of what Native peoples have endured, and a day to honor their resilience and all that they’ve protected. Today’s legislation reaffirms our work to address historic wrongs and furthers the state’s promise to tribes of inclusion and accountability.”
The new legislative package includes measures focused on environmental protection, cultural rights, and repatriation efforts. AB 263 by Assemblymember Chris Rogers aims to protect salmon habitats in the Klamath River watershed. The area has seen improvement after dam removals that benefit fish populations. AB 977 by Assemblymember James C. Ramos directs California State University (CSU) to collaborate with tribes on establishing three burial sites for Native American human remains on CSU-owned land. This addresses a need within ongoing repatriation initiatives.
Another bill, AB 1369—also by Ramos—clarifies students’ rights to wear traditional tribal regalia at high school graduations.
Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari commented, “California, as a whole, could not be what it is without the foundational cultures of this place—the beautiful and diverse languages, practices, and peoples that have called this place home since time immemorial. This California Native American Day, we are encouraged by the progress the State of California continues to make to confront our complicated history, advance our shared priorities with California tribal nations, and work toward a stronger and brighter future for all Californians.”
These legislative actions build upon previous steps taken by the Newsom administration regarding historical injustices against Native Americans in California. Earlier this year, the state released a new Native American Studies Model Curriculum developed in partnership with tribes and educators. The curriculum is designed to bring more representation of Native voices into classrooms across the state.
Assemblymember Ramos thanked Governor Newsom for his partnership with tribal communities: “On California Native American Day, I thank Governor Newsom for partnering with California’s First People. With the signing of AB 1369, California reaffirms student rights to free speech by the wearing of traditional cultural regalia at graduation ceremonies. We hope and expect that during the next graduation season, students and families can focus on the joy and pride of accomplishing a major lifetime milestone rather than the stress of fighting for their rights. I also appreciate the Governor’s commitment to continue expediting the return of Native American human remains and funerary objects. With AB 977, we now have a state policy in place as part of the CSU system’s repatriation process, paving the way to bring the remains of our ancestors a step closer to a proper reburial. By signing AB 221, we now streamline the existing Tribal Nation Grant Fund process to provide a consistent, equal distribution grant to help stabilize funding for eligible tribal governments. I also wish to thank the Governor for including budget funding to establish a pilot program to grant tribal law enforcement peace officer status, and thereby make tribal lands safer to help address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis.”
Governor Newsom’s administration has collaborated with tribes through initiatives such as awarding over $100 million through its Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program supporting community well-being along with climate goals (https://resources.ca.gov/Newsroom/Page-Content/News-List/Article-Page/Tribal-Nature-Based-Solutions). Additionally, $15 million in grants were distributed under Jobs First (https://business.ca.gov/news/california-awards-15-million-in-jobs-first-grants-to-support-tribal-economies/) among 14 tribes or tribally led organizations aimed at job creation and economic opportunity.
In 2019 Governor Newsom issued an official apology via Executive Order N-15-19 (https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/06/18/governor-newsom-issues-an-apology-to-native-americans-on-behalf-of-the-state-executive-order-n-15-19/) recognizing historical wrongs against California’s indigenous people while establishing the Truth & Healing Council tasked with documenting these relationships; its final report is expected in summer 2026.
The newly signed bills include:
AB 221 – Tribal Nation Grant Fund
AB 263 – Scott River: Shasta River: watersheds
AB 977 – Burial sites for Native American human remains
AB 1004 – Exemption from public records for certain tribal financial information
AB 1369 – Student rights regarding adornments at graduation ceremonies
