SACRAMENTO— State employees have a new paid holiday in their future on California Native American Day following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approval of legislation that authorizes paid leave for the observance, contingent upon future budget appropriations. California Native American Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday in September.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), introduced the measure, AB 1841. Ramos is a member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe and the first California Native American lawmaker elected in the state’s history. He has advocated for the establishment of California Native American Day since 1998, long before his election to the Legislature. The day is already recognized as a state holiday, but is not paid.
“AB 1841 recognizes the profound role Native communities have played in shaping the state’s culture and identity. This is a reminder that Native people were the first stewards and inhabitants of this land we call California. It also serves as a small acknowledgement of the atrocities they endured and the resiliency they demonstrated in the face of adversity. I thank Governor Newsom and the First Partner for this historic signing which sets the pace for the future and for their support in uplifting tribal voices.”
In 2021, Ramos successfully authored AB 855, which created a paid judicial holiday.
Ramos is committed to ensuring that California’s policies reflect an honest understanding of the state’s past and a respectful partnership with its tribal nations. AB 1841 would align California Native American Day with other state holidays and elevate public understanding of tribal history—recognizing the profound role Native communities have played in shaping the state’s culture and identity.
Calvin Hedrick, Director of Policy, Training and Tribal Relations, California Native Vote Project (CNVP), the bill’s sponsor stated the bill is important to young people. “I’m a Mountain Maidu person. I’m a father and someone who has worked in Tribal communities and with young Native people for nearly 30 years. One of the things that I recognize working with young Native people for so long is the importance of being seen. The importance of society, knowing that we are still here and our history matters and that our culture is valued.” Hedrick continued, “We’ve suffered through generations of efforts to eliminate us and erase our history and who we are as Native people.“ He added, “I’m proud that CNVP is sponsoring this bill and working with Assemblymember James C. Ramos to honor those who came before us and the generations still to come.”
SEIU Local 1000 President Anica Walls noted, “The passage of AB 1841 is an important step toward recognizing the history, resilience, and lasting contributions of California's First People. Native American Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the truth of our shared history, honor Indigenous communities, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of justice and inclusion. As the union representing nearly 100,000 state workers, SEIU Local 1000 is proud to support this legislation and grateful to Assemblymember James Ramos for his leadership in elevating the importance of Native American Day for all Californians.”
California Native Vote Project is the sponsor of the bill. Supporters include, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Wilton Rancheria, Yurok Tribe and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Local 1000 of the Service Employees International Union, California Rural Indian Health Board and the City of San Bernardino.
Ramos noted that the courts led the way with a paid holiday. “It is now time for the rest of the state to follow,” he concluded.
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Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety.
