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California Native American Day is a time to celebrate and learn more about the distinctive cultures of the Native American people who are indigenous to California. It is a holiday celebrating Native American Heritage and the triumphs and struggles of Indigenous People.
The goal of California Native American Day is to promote awareness and appreciation California’s Native Americans. To help educate surrounding communities about the history and culture of Indigenous People, several programs and conferences are held each year.
This year, we’re also celebrating the passage of AB 855. California’s Legislature recently approved this historic measure designating the fourth Friday of September an official judicial holiday in recognition of California Native American Day.
Join us for a full week of cultural appreciation and learning.
This conference engages teachers in new and innovative ways to educate their students on factual Native history. Teachers of 3rd and 4th grade are encouraged to take the lessons and activities provided during the conference and educate their classrooms with proper knowledge of regional Native culture. Space is limited, registration required.
Designed for students and teachers to gain hands on experience with the culture and history of California Indian people. During the course of this week-long conference, students will learn firsthand from tribal members, elders, historians and academics from all over the state about the history, culture, traditions and experience of California’s Native American Tribes. They’ll also attend cultural demonstrations where they can partake in traditional California Indian song and dance, learn about basketry and pottery, listen to Indian storytelling, learn Serrano language, and discover and taste a variety of Native American foods. Space is limited, registration required.
A unique cultural experience, this free public event features traditional Native American songs, music, art and food, with bird singers from Tribes all over California demonstrating their cultural songs and dances. It is held on the campus of California State University San Bernardino.
Assemblymember District 40 Tribal
Unity & Cultural Awareness
Program Coordinator
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.