2024 was a transformative year filled with major achievements and collective action for the California Native Vote Project. Last year, we empowered Native and Indigenous communities through organizing, education, and leadership development, solidifying our commitment to the sovereignty and advancement of our peoples. Here are some highlights of our impactful year:
Advocacy That Made History
- Measure A Passed: CNVP played a critical role in the coalition that secured the passage of Measure A. This initiative provides vital housing relief for countless families in Los Angeles County, a testament to the power of community mobilization.
- San Juan Unified Land Acknowledgment: Through tireless advocacy alongside our community members, CNVP successfully supported the adoption of Land Acknowledgments by the San Juan and Folsom Cordova Unified School Districts—an important step in honoring Indigenous lands and histories.
Education For a Brighter Future
- $8 Million for Indigenous Education: Partnering with the Indigenous Education Now coalition, CNVP helped allocate $8 million within the Los Angeles Unified School District. These funds will enhance Native-focused instructional materials and support the creation of a new cadre of educators dedicated to Native studies.
- 14,000+ Native Education Kits Distributed: Classrooms across LAUSD received Native-authored educational kits, empowering students with culturally rich and accurate materials.
Leadership Development and Empowerment
- 18 Native Power Building Fellows Graduated: The inaugural cohort of CNVP’s 18-month fellowship program equipped emerging Native leaders with tools to drive change across California.
- Two Native Leadership Institutes: Partnering with Advance Native Political Leadership, CNVP trained 17 future candidates, preparing them to lead campaigns rooted in Indigenous values.
- 200+ Youth Leaders Engaged: Through the Indigenous Youth Organizing Academy and the Advanced Native Youth Organizer Training, CNVP fostered a new generation of youth leaders ready to champion their communities.
Investing in Communities
- $3.5 Million Invested Through CARES First Community Initiative: CNVP’s efforts helped allocate funds to Native-focused initiatives in Los Angeles County, including homelessness support, workforce development, and child care centers.
- Six Candidate Forums Hosted: CNVP provided platforms for critical discussions with more than 200 attendees, including events at Blue Lake Rancheria and Robinson Rancheria.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we know our work is far from done. 2024 was a year of building, organizing, and uplifting, but the path forward requires even more energy and dedication. We are endlessly grateful to our community, whose passion and perseverance make this work possible.
Wishing You a Happy and Empowered New Year
As we step into 2025, we encourage you to remain steadfast in advancing the sovereignty of our tribes and uplifting our communities. Together, we will continue to make meaningful strides toward equity, representation, and justice.
Here’s to another year of impactful action. Happy New Year from all of us at CNVP! Let’s stay energized, inspired, and united in the work ahead.