WHEREAS, Throughout our states history, Native Americans have played an important role in our culture and success; and

WHEREAS, California is home to more people of Native American and Alaska Native heritage than any other state in the country. According to the 2020 United States Census, California represents 14 percent of the total Native American and Alaskan Native population; and

WHEREAS, The state includes more federally recognized Indian tribes than any other state in the continental United States; and

WHEREAS, The United States and the state recognize that these governments were the original custodians of the land and waters that now constitute California; and

WHEREAS, These tribal governments continue to steward and protect the land and waters with their traditional ecological knowledge, especially related to fire practices; and

WHEREAS, The cultural and governmental contributions of the native peoples of California have shaped the course of the state throughout history; and

WHEREAS, Californias federally recognized tribal governments have made distinct and important contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art; and

WHEREAS, Californias tribal nations and their citizens leaders seek to bridge racial, socioeconomic, and environmental barriers by empowering and educating people in order to protect Native American culture and heritage for future generations; and

WHEREAS, On June 18, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom recognized that the State of California historically sanctioned over a century of depredations and prejudicial policies against Californias tribal nations and their citizens; and

WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom commended and honored Californias tribal nations and their citizens for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting this land that we now share; and apologized on behalf of the citizens of the State of California to all California Native Americans for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect California inflicted on tribes; 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 recognize their contributions while building bridges to heal deep wounds; and

WHEREAS, Californias tribal governments and their citizens have given much to California and it is fitting that the honor is returned by recognizing their rich history and commitment to the State of California; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate Rules Committee incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate of the State of California urges other public bodies in California to expand recognition for Californias tribal nations and their citizens during official government activities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Throughout our states history, Native Americans have played an important role in our culture and success; and

WHEREAS, California is home to more people of Native American and Alaska Native heritage than any other state in the country. According to the 2020 United States Census, California represents 14 percent of the total Native American and Alaskan Native population; and

WHEREAS, The state includes more federally recognized Indian tribes than any other state in the continental United States; and

WHEREAS, The United States and the state recognize that these governments were the original custodians of the land and waters that now constitute California; and

WHEREAS, These tribal governments continue to steward and protect the land and waters with their traditional ecological knowledge, especially related to fire practices; and

WHEREAS, The cultural and governmental contributions of the native peoples of California have shaped the course of the state throughout history; and

WHEREAS, Californias federally recognized tribal governments have made distinct and important contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art; and

WHEREAS, Californias tribal nations and their citizens leaders seek to bridge racial, socioeconomic, and environmental barriers by empowering and educating people in order to protect Native American culture and heritage for future generations; and

WHEREAS, On June 18, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom recognized that the State of California historically sanctioned over a century of depredations and prejudicial policies against Californias tribal nations and their citizens; and

WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom commended and honored Californias tribal nations and their citizens for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting this land that we now share; and apologized on behalf of the citizens of the State of California to all California Native Americans for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect California inflicted on tribes; 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 recognize their contributions while building bridges to heal deep wounds; and

WHEREAS, Californias tribal governments and their citizens have given much to California and it is fitting that the honor is returned by recognizing their rich history and commitment to the State of California; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate Rules Committee incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate of the State of California urges other public bodies in California to expand recognition for Californias tribal nations and their citizens during official government activities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

 CONSENT  

Bill No: SR 88

Author: Glazer (D)

Introduced: 4/10/24

Vote: Majority

SENATE GOVERNMENTAL ORG. COMMITTEE: 16-0, 4/23/24

AYES: Dodd, Wilk, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Ashby, Bradford, Glazer, Jones, Nguyen, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas

SUBJECT: Native Americans

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This resolution provides that the Senate Rules Committee incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state. This resolution urges other public bodies in California to expand recognition for California’s tribal nations and their citizens during official government activities.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. Throughout our state’s history, Native Americans have played an important role in our culture and success.
2. California is home to more people of Native American and Alaska Native heritage than any other state in the country. According to the 2020 United States Census, California represents 14 percent of the total Native American and Alaskan Native population.
3. The State includes more federally recognized Indian Tribes than any other state in the continental United States.
4. The United States and the state recognize that these governments were the original custodians of the land and waters that now constitute California.
5. These tribal government continue to steward and protect the land and waters with their traditional ecological knowledge, specially related to fire practices.
6. The cultural and governmental contributions of the native peoples of California have shaped the course of the state throughout history.
7. California’s federally recognized tribal governments have made distinct and important contributions to the United Sates and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art.
8. California’s tribal nations and their citizens leaders seek to bridge racial, socioeconomic, and environmental barriers by empowering and educating people in order to protect Native American culture and heritage for future generations.
9. On June 18, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom recognized that the State of California historically sanctioned over a century of depredations and prejudicial policies against California Native Americans.
10. Governor Gavin Newsom commended and honored California’s Tribal nations and their citizens for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting this land that we now share; and apologized on behalf of the citizens of the State of California to all California Native Americans for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect California inflicted on tribes.
11. We can never undo the wrongs inflicted on the people who have lived on this land that we now call California, but we can recognize their contributions while building bridges to heal deep wounds.
12. California’s tribal governments and their citizens have given much to California and it is fitting that the honor is returned by recognizing California Native Americans for their rich history and commitment to the State of California.

This resolution:

1. Provides that the Senate Rules Committee incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state.
2. Urges other public bodies in California to expand recognition for California’s tribal nations and their citizens during official government activities.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “Native Americans are the original inhabitants and custodians of the land that now constitutes California. Native Americans have made important contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art. This resolution urges the Senate to create a recognition to say before Senate Floor to acknowledge the historical contributions of the native peoples of California. Unfortunately, colonization left tribes stripped of their land, independence, and culture.”

The author’s office adds, “In 2019, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to honor California Native Americans for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting the land that we now share. For these reasons and many more, it is right to join other nations like New Zealand and Australia, to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state.”

First Inhabitants of California. The indigenous peoples of California have inhabited the region for more than 13,000 years, with some estimates going as far as more than 15,000 years. Historians estimate that before the arrival of Europeans, there were more than 100 tribes that originally populated the land now known as California.

These various Native American groups led a mainly nomadic way of living with a hunter-gathering lifestyle. Some of the prominent tribes include the Chumash, Ohlone, Miwok, Pomo, and Yokuts, among many others. These tribes practiced varied lifestyles, depending on their geographic location. Coastal tribes like the Chumash were skilled fishermen and relied on the ocean for sustenance, while inland tribes often engaged in hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Though Native Californians developed long lasting cultures that evolved into complex cultures, their living conditions dramatically deteriorated with the arrival of Europeans.

In the late 18^th century, Spanish colonization began, bringing significant changes to Native American communities. The missions established by the Spanish brought both cultural influences and conflicts. Many Native Americans were forced to convert to Christianity and work on mission lands, leading to significant changes in their way of life. With the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans populations faced further challenges due to diseases, land displacement, and violent conflicts. Throughout the 19^th century, Native Californian lands were gradually taken over, leading to loss of land of ways of life. It is estimated that by the 19^th century, less than 10% of the Native population in California remained.

Today, many Native American tribes in California continue to maintain their cultural heritage and traditions while addressing ongoing challenges related to land rights, education, and healthcare. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom commended and honored California Native Americans for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting the land in California. Additionally, he apologized on behalf of the citizens of the State of California to all California Native Americans for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect California inflicted on tribes.

This resolution would incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business of the Senate Floor Sessions to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state. Additionally, the resolution urges other public bodies in California to expand the recognition for Native Americans during official government activities.

Related/Prior Legislation

SCR 58 (Glazer, 2023) would have proposed to incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business of the Assembly and Senate Floor Sessions to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state. The resolution would have urged other public bodies in California to expand recognition for Native Americans during official government activities. (Held at the Assembly Desk)

ACR 17 (Ramos, Resolution Chapter 164, Statutes of 2023) recognized the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 22, 2023, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 4/24/24)

None received

OPPOSITION: (Verified 4/24/24)

None received

Prepared by: Felipe Lopez / G.O. / (916) 651-1530

4/26/24 12:57:38

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Bill Dodd

Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: 88 Hearing Date: 4/23/2024

SUBJECT: Native Americans

DIGEST: This resolution provides that the Senate Rules Committee incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state. In addition, the resolution urges other public bodies in California to expand recognition for California’s tribal nations and their citizens during official government activities.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. Throughout our state’s history, Native Americans have played an important role in our culture and success.
2. California is home to more people of Native American and Alaska Native heritage than any other state in the country. According to the 2020 United States Census, California represents 14 percent of the total Native American and Alaskan Native population.
3. The State includes more federally recognized Indian Tribes than any other state in the continental United States.
4. The United States and the state recognize that these governments were the original custodians of the land and waters that now constitute California.
5. These tribal government continue to steward and protect the land and waters with their traditional ecological knowledge, specially related to fire practices.
6. The cultural and governmental contributions of the native peoples of California have shaped the course of the state throughout history.
7. California’s federally recognized tribal governments have made distinct and important contributions to the United Sates and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art.
8. California’s tribal nations and their citizens leaders seek to bridge racial, socioeconomic, and environmental barriers by empowering and educating people in order to protect Native American culture and heritage for future generations.
9. On June 18, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom recognized that the State of California historically sanctioned over a century of depredations and prejudicial policies against California Native Americans.
10. Governor Gavin Newsom commended and honored California’s Tribal nations and their citizens for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting this land that we now share; and apologized on behalf of the citizens of the State of California to all California Native Americans for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect California inflicted on tribes.
11. We can never undo the wrongs inflicted on the people who have lived on this land that we now call California, but we can recognize their contributions while building bridges to heal deep wounds.
12. California’s tribal governments and their citizens have given much to California and it is fitting that the honor is returned by recognizing California Native Americans for their rich history and commitment to the State of California.

This resolution:

1. Provides that the Senate Rules Committee incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state.

Urges other public bodies in California to expand recognition for California’s tribal nations and their citizens during official government activities.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “Native Americans are the original inhabitants and custodians of the land that now constitutes California. Native Americans have made important contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art. This resolution urges the Senate to create a recognition to say before Senate Floor to acknowledge the historical contributions of the native peoples of California. Unfortunately, colonization left tribes stripped of their land, independence, and culture.”

The author’s office adds, “in 2019, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to honor California Native Americans for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting the land that we now share. For these reasons and many more, it is right to join other nations like New Zealand and Australia, to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state.”

First Inhabitants of California. The indigenous peoples of California have inhabited the region for more than 13,000 years, with some estimates going as far as more than 15,000 years. Historians estimate that before the arrival of Europeans, there were more than 100 tribes that originally populated the land now known as California.

These various Native American groups led a mainly nomadic way of living with a hunter-gathering lifestyle. Some of the prominent tribes include the Chumash, Ohlone, Miwok, Pomo, and Yokuts, among many others. These tribes practiced varied lifestyles, depending on their geographic location. Coastal tribes like the Chumash were skilled fishermen and relied on the ocean for sustenance, while inland tribes often engaged in hunting, gathering, and agriculture. Though Native Californians developed long lasting cultures that evolved into complex cultures, their living conditions dramatically deteriorated with the arrival of Europeans.

In the late 18^th century, Spanish colonization began, bringing significant changes to Native American communities. The missions established by the Spanish brought both cultural influences and conflicts. Many Native Americans were forced to convert to Christianity and work on mission lands, leading to significant changes in their way of life. With the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans populations faced further challenges due to diseases, land displacement, and violent conflicts. Throughout the 19^th century, Native Californian lands were gradually taken over, leading to loss of land of ways of life. It is estimated that by the 19^th century, less than 10% of the Native population in California remained.

Today, many Native American tribes in California continue to maintain their cultural heritage and traditions while addressing ongoing challenges related to land rights, education, and healthcare. In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom commended and honored California Native Americans for persisting, carrying on cultural and linguistic traditions, and stewarding and protecting the land in California. Additionally, he apologized on behalf of the citizens of the State of California to all California Native Americans for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect California inflicted on tribes.

This resolution would incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business of the Senate Floor Sessions to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state. Additionally, the resolution urges other public bodies in California to expand the recognition for Native Americans during official government activities.

Prior/Related Legislation

SCR 58 (Glazer, 2023) would have proposed to incorporate recognition of Native Americans in the order of business of the Assembly and Senate Floor Sessions to acknowledge Native Americans as the original custodians of California and commend California Indian nations for their outstanding historical and present contributions to this great state. In addition, the resolution would have urged other public bodies in California to expand recognition for Native Americans during official government activities. (Held at the Assembly Desk)

ACR 17 (Ramos, Res. Chapter 164, Statutes of 2023) recognizes the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 22, 2023, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture. (Pending on the Senate Floor).

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT:

None received

OPPOSITION:

None received