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California Native American Day celebrates the distinctive culture of the Native American people indigenous to California and calls attention to their triumphs and struggles that comprise their rich history.
California designated the fourth Friday of September in 1998 as California Native American Day to dismantle the misconceptions about California Indians. Previously, Students were led to believe California history began with the arrival of the first explorers and lacked a fundamental understanding of Native American’s existing society. Native populations across the country were seen as primitive and were too often associated with stereotypes like teepees and drums.
Education in K-12 schools and community colleges has since evolved to entail the extensive history of the many tribal groups in California. We now have programs and conferences each year on California Native American Day to continue educating our communities.
2022 CNAD Promo Video
We gather annually to celebrate California Native American Day at Cal State San Bernardino because preserving our heritage is important. We encourage all Californians to join us in celebrating this day by learning more about the music, art and food of the Native peoples of your region.
Correcting the Myths
Perhaps more important than the celebration itself is the educational aspect of this holiday. When California first designated California Native American Day in 1998, it was specifically crafted to clarify the many misperceptions about California Indians.
In the schoolroom, our children have been led to believe that California history began with the arrival of the first explorers and that all American Indians lived in tepees and used drums for music.
Today, public schools and community colleges pursue educational exercises, model lesson plans, and curricula relating specifically to the rich and varied history of the many tribal groups of California.