CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2021–2022 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Joint Resolution
No. 18

Introduced by Assembly Member Ramos

June 22, 2021

Relative to California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference .


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AJR 18, as introduced, Ramos. California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference.
This measure would recognize the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 24, 2021, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture.
Fiscal Committee: NO  
WHEREAS, California is home to more federally recognized Indian tribes than any other state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The cultural and governmental contributions of the native peoples of California have shaped the course of the state throughout history; and
WHEREAS, California designated the fourth Friday of every September as California Native American Day; and
WHEREAS, California Native American Day is celebrated in this state by tribes and communities across the state, and is a day for educators of California to teach factual California Indian history in schools; and
WHEREAS, California Indian tribes are committed to contributing to the educational curricula provided by the state and believe in providing new and improved educational resources about the varied cultural histories of, and governance models used by, California Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, This is the third California Native American Day since Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order apologizing for the historical wrongs tolerated, encouraged, subsidized, and committed by state actors against California Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, We can never undo the wrongs inflicted on the people who have lived on this land that we now call California, but we can work together to build bridges, tell the truth about California’s past, and begin to heal deep wounds; and
WHEREAS, The Governor has also called for a Truth and Healing Council to hear testimony and clarify the historical record on the relationship between the state and California Native Americans; and
WHEREAS, The California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference will be held concurrently with California Native American Day and will assist educators by providing new educational resources regarding the rich and varied lives of the California Indian Nations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature recognizes the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 24, 2021, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.