'Native American Day' Is California's Newest State Holiday

Assemblymember Roger Hernández (D –West Covina) announced AB 1973, making Native American Day an official unpaid state holiday, was signed into law this week by Governor Brown.

This measure designates the fourth Friday of every September in its name and makes clear one of Hernández’s goals of recognizing the contributions of California’s diverse population by lifting its state status to official unpaid like Lincoln’s Birthday and Columbus Day.

Previously, Native American Day existed as an annual proclamation by the Governor where he honored the great contributions of Native American peoples and recognized the injustices these peoples overcame.

Furthermore, Native American Day, previously known as American Indian Day has been in existence for decades.

The California Legislature enacted a resolution in 1968 which recognized the contributions of Native Americans with American Indian Day and subsequently adjusted to Native American Day.

Though it has long been in existence and practice to honor the contributions and recognize the historical inequality, it was not recognized as an official state holiday until now.

“I want to thank Governor Brown for his support of this bill, which pays tribute and honors the contributions of Native Americans in California.

“This measure not only recognizes the contributions of the Native American people, it demonstrates our rich history and adds to the diverse ethnic fabric of our great state,” said Hernández.

AB 1973 is good faith recognition of California’s native peoples and an endeavor to solidify the practice of education and awareness of Native American history.

California’s Native Americans have been subject to turmoil for centuries. In the eighteenth century colonization and the beginning construction of California’s twenty-one coastal missions left many native tribes and bands in peril of social subordination.

“As a tribe, we have observed this holiday for many years, and the prospect of state recognition is very welcomed and encouraging,” said Mooretown Rancheria Tribal Chairman Gary Archuleta.

(Photo: Creative Commons)