California Governor Signs AB 1841, Recognizing California Native American Day

California took an important step toward recognizing the history, cultures, leadership and enduring presence of Native peoples across the state. On September 25, 2026 Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 1841, legislation establishing California Native American Day as an official state holiday and laying the groundwork for the day to become a paid holiday for state employees.

Authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos and co-sponsored by California Native Vote Project, AB 1841 represents an important moment of recognition for California’s Native communities and the Tribal Nations whose histories and contributions are foundational to the state.


Recognition Matters

California Native American Day is more than a day on the calendar. It is an opportunity to recognize the first peoples of these lands and to honor the enduring cultures, histories, leadership and contributions of Native communities across California.

For Native people, formal recognition matters. It helps ensure that Native peoples and Tribal Nations are visible in California’s history and that Native communities have a meaningful place in shaping the state’s future.

The signing of AB 1841 also creates an opportunity for Californians to develop a deeper understanding of Native history and the ongoing presence of Native communities throughout the state.

For Calvin Hedrick, CNVP’s director of policy, training and Tribal relations, that recognition is deeply personal. “I’m a Mountain Maidu person, a father and someone who has worked in Tribal communities and with Native young people for nearly 30 years. One of the things I’ve learned through that work is how important it is for Native people to be seen and recognized — for society to know that we are still here, that our history matters and that our cultures are valued,” Hedrick said.

For generations, Native people have endured efforts to eliminate Native identities, erase Native histories and undermine Native cultures. That history makes meaningful recognition especially significant.

“We’ve suffered through generations of efforts to eliminate us and erase our history and who we are as Native people,” Hedrick said. “That’s why moments of recognition like this matter.”


Honoring Those Who Came Before Us

AB 1841 is also a reflection of the power of Native-led advocacy and the importance of ensuring that Native voices are part of shaping California’s future.

CNVP was proud to co-sponsor the legislation and work alongside Assemblymember James C. Ramos to advance this important step toward recognition. The legislation reflects the efforts of Tribal leaders, Native organizations, advocates and community members who have continued to push for greater visibility and respect for Native communities.


Recognition Must Lead to Continued Action

The establishment of California Native American Day is an important step, but it is one part of a much larger effort.

Recognition must be accompanied by continued action to strengthen relationships between California and Tribal Nations, respect tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and address the issues that continue to affect Native communities.

The opportunity for California Native American Day to become a paid holiday for state employees can also create space for education, cultural engagement and reflection. It offers Californians an opportunity to learn more about the Tribal Nations whose ancestral lands make up the state and to engage with the Native communities who continue to carry these histories and cultures forward.

At CNVP, we celebrate this moment while recognizing that the work continues. California Native American Day is an opportunity to affirm that Native people are still here, our cultures are alive, our histories matter and our communities continue to shape California.

AB 1841 is a meaningful step toward ensuring that truth is recognized, and that the generations still to come inherit a California where Native people and Tribal Nations are seen, respected and valued.

Stay Connected with CNVP

This moment is part of the ongoing work to ensure Native voices are recognized and centered in California’s future. Follow the California Native Vote Project on Facebook and Instagram for updates on our advocacy, organizing and work with Native communities across the state.

We are still here, our culture and histories matter, and our future is ours to shape. 

 

Take Action to Support AB 1841

AB 1841, authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos and sponsored by the California Native Vote Project, has officially passed the California Legislature and is now on Governor Newsom’s desk.

The bill would establish California Native American Day as a paid state holiday for state employees, recognizing the significance of California Native peoples, cultures, histories, and continued contributions to the state.

Why does this matter? California Native people are still here. Our cultures are alive, our communities are strong, and our histories continue to shape California.

California Native American Day provides an opportunity to celebrate California’s Native peoples, learn about our histories, and recognize the continued presence and contributions of Native communities across the state. AB 1841 would take an additional step toward formally recognizing that significance.

AB 1841 now awaits the Governor’s action. Learn more about the legislation and use the link to contact Governor Newsom regarding AB 1841 and leave your letter of support today! Follow the directions below to urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 1841 to get started.

Here’s how you can help…

Start Here:

  1. Click on this link to leave a comment for California Governor Newsom. Now select a Topic: An Active Bill; then selct the Specific Bill: AB 1841 – State Holidays: Native American Day. Click on ‘Next’ which will take you to a new page.
  2. This second page will ask your stance on the topic. Select ‘Pro‘. Then copy and paste the following letter in the message box. You can review it and personalize it if you choose, but please remember to add your name, city and state at the bottom of the letter.

    Sample Letter:

    Dear Governor Newsom,

      I am writing to respectfully urge you to sign AB 1841, authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos and sponsored by the California Native Vote Project, into law.

      AB 1841 would designate California Native American Day – the fourth Friday in September – as a paid holiday for all state employees, contingent upon appropriation, and allow state bargaining units to negotiate for the holiday. This legislation recognizes the ongoing contributions, resilience, and continued presence of California Native peoples, and it provides an important opportunity for education, reflection, and celebration.

      California has a responsibility to honor its true history and to invest in a more inclusive future. I urge you to sign AB 1841 and make California Native American Day a paid state holiday.

      Governor Newsom, please sign AB 1841 into law.


      Thank you,

      [First Name] [Last Name][
      [City], California


    California’s original peoples are still here. Our cultures are alive, our communities are strong, and our histories deserve to be recognized.

    Recognition is more than a moment; it’s an ongoing commitment to honoring Native peoples, histories, cultures, and communities, both today and for generations to come. AB 1841 represents an important step in that commitment, recognizing the enduring presence and contributions of California Native peoples and the significance of California Native American Day.

    Thank you in advance for your support and for helping carry this message forward. We encourage you to share this call to action with your loved ones, friends, and community today so that more people can learn about AB 1841 and the importance of recognizing California Native American Day.