Today, on California Native American Day, I am to taking a moment to recognize and honor the Native peoples of California: their history, cultures, their resilience, their continuing contributions to this place, which we call home. It's worth remembering how this started.
In 1939, the state first set aside October 1st for what was then called "Indian Day." In 1968, after tribal leaders pushed for broader recognition, the fourth Friday in September became American Indian Day, and in 2014, Governor Jerry Brown formally established the day into state law. Behind those dates, of course, is a much longer, deeper history. Native peoples lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years, building rich cultures, languages, communities. History also holds painful truths like displacement, and the attempts to erase cultures and languages.
California Native American Day can't undo that history, but it can serve as a reminder of something basic and important. Native peoples deserve to have their stories told truthfully. Their culture treated with dignity. Their traditions respected and their voices heard. They're not a footnote in California's past. Native communities are a vital, living part of California now. So today is a day to pause, acknowledge, and to honor what has endured and what continues to enrich this state.
To learn more, go to:
https://californianativeamericanday.com/
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