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. 

 

2024 Year in Review: A Powerful Year of Impact for the California Native Vote Project

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.