Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation this Friday declaring September 22, 2023 as Native American Day in the State of California.
And this Friday marks the 56th statewide celebration of California Native American Day, an annual event of culture, community and resilience.
In the same 56 years that this event took place, Native peoples across the country have implemented the era of self-determination in tribal politics, an era that relies on the full expression of Native governance processes and structures. to deliver more culturally and thoughtful policies, Newson noted in the proclamation.
This year's California Native American Day theme, "Protecting Our People Through Sovereignty: Past, Present and Future," he said, doubles down on the promise of the era of self-determination: that by strengthening tribal nations , California Native peoples are better able to survive a world that has been hostile and, in many ways, continues to endanger Native ways of life, worldviews, and value systems.
"When California natives can contribute equitably and safely to their communities, cultures and governments, California as a whole is stronger as a result," he noted.
The document notes that California tribal nations have demonstrated the wisdom and leadership necessary to protect all Californians (not just California Native peoples) from the existential threats of a changing climate and divisive forces in society. .
In that sense, Governor Newsom said that, over the last year, California tribal nations have led the state in historic efforts to improve the health of forests, strengthen resilience to wildfires and restore ecosystems; deploy sustainable infrastructure; defend hard-fought protections for children and families; launch culturally informed wellness centers; and strengthen justice systems.
"It is the highest and most noble office of government to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and the State of California stands as a strong partner in supporting tribal governments' efforts to protect California's vulnerable Native peoples." ; Our history not only obliges us, but also our collective conscience demands that we do so," the proclamation states.
Finally, Newsom encouraged all Californians to take time this Native American Day to not only learn about the rich histories, traditions and contributions of diverse tribal communities across the state, but also to find ways to support the California tribal nations and cultivate meaningful relationships with California Native peoples.
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