California: Governor Newsom Proclaims Native American Heritage Month 2023
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SACRAMENTO ~ On November 18th, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom of California issued a proclamation declaring November 2023 as Native American Heritage Month. The proclamation was issued to recognize and honor the first people to call California and the United States home, while also committing to creating a state that respects, values and uplifts Native peoples.

The proclamation comes after a year of celebration for California Native peoples. This includes the unveiling of a new monument to California Native peoples on the grounds of the State Capitol, the validation of the Indian Child Welfare Act from the nation's highest court and the conclusion of Reservation Dogs. Additionally, California tribal nations have been leading efforts to address climate change, launch state-of-the art cultural centers and compel institutions to return Native ancestors to their lands and communities.

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Governor Newsom noted that these milestones are only small signs of goodwill and progress in the journey toward truth and healing for Native people in California. He reminded Californians that Native people have been advocating for greater space, voice and understanding for hundreds of years—during which time their communities and cultures have been actively erased, displaced and painted over.

In his proclamation Governor Newsom challenged all Californians to commit to learning more about the diverse Native peoples in California as we work toward truth, justice and accountability for all. He noted that if we only reflect on Native Peoples during November we are selling ourselves—and them—far too short.

Governor Newsom concluded his proclamation by stating "It is incumbent on all Californians to remind ourselves of the price Native peoples had to—and continue to—pay as a result of centuries of oppression and settlement".

Native American Heritage Month is an important time for Californians to reflect on our knowledge gaps regarding Indigenous Peoples in our state, educate ourselves on their histories, cultures and governments, shift narratives around them in our collective culture and elevate their voices in our story.

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