AB 1968 will advance awareness of Native Americans’ presence throughout California
SACRAMENTO— The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water today approved a measure to encourage public schools, parks, libraries and museums to acknowledge past tribal guardianship of lands where their facilities are located.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) said the voluntary proposal, AB 1968, will advance awareness of Native Americans’ presence throughout California. “It is also a means to help educate Californians and others about Native Americans,” Ramos said.
Ramos said museums and other institutions play an important role in defining and portraying history and culture. “Public institutions have a duty to present accurate historical information that broadens cultural understanding.”
Land acknowledgment is practiced at tribal events and in other parts of the United States and in countries with Indigenous populations such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Ramos bill would be the first effort to formally encourage land acknowledgment statewide in California, which boasts more Native Americans than any other state.
The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center and California Native American Caucus are co-sponsors. Also supporting the bill are the Sonoma Solidarity with Standing Rock, Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, California Teachers Association, California Association of Museums, AFSCME, AFL-CIO; California Arts Advocates, California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, Guidiville Indian Rancheria, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Native American Land Conservancy, Ten Strands, Yochadehe Wintun Nation and others.
AB 1968 was approved on a 7-0 vote.
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Assemblymember James Ramos proudly represents the 40th Assembly district which includes Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and San Bernardino.