2023 Press Release and Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Press@NUNAConsultGroup.com
California Native American Day Returns to West Steps of the Capitol Building in Sacramento
Sacramento, California, September 21, 2022 – The 55th Annual California Native American Day returns to the West Steps of the State Capitol Building in Sacramento, CA on Friday, September 23, 2022 from 10 am to 2 pm.
The first in-person California Native American Day since 2019, this year’s theme, “Stand Strong Together” celebrates and honors the years spent apart alongside the historical and cultural contributions by California Native Americans.
“The California Tribal Chairpersons’ Association is proud to be the host organization for the 55th Annual California Native American Day, working in partnership with the Native American Heritage Commission and the California Native American Day Planning Committee,” said California Tribal Chairpersons’ Association Chairman Bo Mazzetti. “It is a special honor to welcome you back to the California State Capitol Building to celebrate the resilience of our Tribal communities as we Stand Strong Together after years spent apart.”
Started in 1939 by then-Governor Culbert Olson, “Indian Day” evolved into California Native American Day in 1968, thanks to Governor Ronald Reagan and California Tribal Leaders. The Day is considered a time-honored tradition in the California Native American community. The event is hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons’ Association.
“As the first and only California Native American elected to the state legislature, my priority has been to educate my colleagues and the public about our unity and shared experiences while also acknowledging the wide diversity and different needs of California Indians,” said California Assemblymember James C. Ramos. “I am happy to welcome you all to the 55th California Native American Day at the California State Capitol. It is a great day to celebrate and witness the culture of California’s first people.”
The 55th Annual California Native American Day will feature remarks from CTCA Chairman Bo Mazzetti, Assemblymember James C. Ramos, Tribal Affairs Secretary for the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs Christina Snider, Deputy Secretary for the California Department of Veterans Affairs Xóchitl Rodriguez Murillo, and more.
“On behalf of the California State Tribal Liaisons, and the California Native American Heritage Commission, we are proud to partner with our host nation sponsor, the California Tribal Chairpersons’ Association, in the coordination and planning of the 55th Annual California Native American Day celebration,” said Native American Heritage Commission Executive Secretary Raymond C. Hitchcock. “This year’s theme is “Stand Strong Together!” It was selected to highlight the importance of unity. When we speak in that united voice and stand together as one, our voices echo far beyond our Native American communities and those positive effects are felt throughout the State. For the past 55 years, Native American Tribe’s, Organizations, and State Agencies have participated in this event which honors and recognizes the valuable historical and cultural contributions made by our Tribal Ancestors and families here in our great State. Thank you for taking the time to be here and allowing us to continue this tradition of honor and recognition of the first peoples of California!”
The day will also see Cultural Sharing from the Intertribal Bird Singers & Dancers, the Karuk Tribe Traditional Dancers, the Chumash Tribal Singers, and the Cachil Dehe Wintun & California Kalte Crew.
For more information, including the 2022 California Native American Day agenda and official program, go to CaliforniaNativeAmericanDay.com.
For all press inquiries, please contact Press@NUNAConsultGroup.com. Any press attending should check in at the Media Booth #39 located behind the main stage for credentials. See map here.
2020 California Native American Day Celebration Goes Virtual
VALLEY CENTER, CA – The California Tribal Chairpersons Association is honored to announce the 2020 California Native American Day Celebration – A Virtual Event, held from September 23 through California Native American Day on September 25, 2020.
Respecting the health and safety of communities across the state, CTCA is turning the 53rd California Native American Day virtual. Focusing on 2020 as a year of battles to protect health, financial well-being, sovereignty of tribal nations, and culture, the all virtual event seeks to empower and uplift the voices of those who continue to fight each day for Native people, and promote understanding as to why Native communities fight not to defeat, but to include.
This year’s theme is Healing Nations – Protecting Elders, Women, and Children which will carry through three days of virtual celebration in video snippets via the California Native American Day Facebook page.
Videos will include songs and dance, comedy performances, cooking demonstrations, and legislative updates from Northern, Central, and Southern California’s tribal nations all with the focused on the purpose behind the fight—to heal, to grow, and to preserve the future of California’s tribal cultures.
Join us on September 23 & 24 from 6:00pm-8:00pm for the broadcast celebration and on September 25 from 10:00am-12:00pm for a Facebook LIVE event on the California Native American Day Facebook page.
“As sovereign nations, we are rising to the challenges that this year has presented. CTCA is an association dedicated to empowering and supporting tribes and is proud to host California Native American Day event. For the health and safety reasons, CTCA decided to host the three-day event virtually that will include Native celebrities, entertainers, and educational sessions,” CTCA Chairman Bo Mazzetti.
“2020 has proven difficult for us all but, as always, the Native American tribes of California have shown great resiliency. In this same spirit, we feel that this year, more than ever, it is important to continue forward with our Native American Day celebration and we hope you will join us,” said Erica M. Pinto, CTCA Secretary and California Native American Day Organizer.
“Protect our Elders and they will pass their knowledge and wisdom to our Children. Protect our Women and they will love, support and educate our Children. Protect our Children and they will continue to carry on Tribal traditions, customs, language, and help establish equality and justice for all Tribes,” said CTCA Board Member Chairman Russell “Buster” Atteberry.
For more information, visit www.californianativeamericanday.com or http://www.facebook.com/NativeAmericanDay/.
About California Native American Day
Started in 1939 by then-Governor Culbert Olson, “Indian Day” evolved into The California Native American Day in 1968 thanks to Governor Ronald Reagan and California tribal leaders. The Day is considered a time-honored tradition in the California Native American community. The event is hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons Association.
California Tribal Chairpersons Association (CTCA)
The Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association, together with the Central and Northern California Chairmen’s Associations joined forces on April 9, 2019 to formally establish the California Tribal Chairpersons Association (CTCA). The new, statewide organization was established to collectively address the critical issues facing the California tribes.
52nd California Native American Day Press Clips
‘We formalize an apology of behalf of our state,’ says Newsom at Native American Day San Luis Tribune, Lezlie Sterling, 9/27/19
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks of truth and healing during the 52nd Annual California Native American Day at the State Capitol on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019.
‘We formalize an apology of behalf of our state,’ says Newsom at Native American Day Merced Sun Star, Lezlie Sterling, 9/27/19
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks of truth and healing during the 52nd Annual California Native American Day at the State Capitol on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019.
No more ‘cowboys and Indians’: Newsom wants Californians to learn Native American history Sacramento Bee , Hannah Wiley, 9/27/19
Gov. Gavin Newsom at an annual celebration of Native American culture said he wanted greater “truth telling” of California’s indigenous history and a stronger acknowledgment of the state’s genocide of native people.
No more ‘cowboys and Indians’: Newsom wants Californians to learn Native American history San Luis Tribune, Hannah Wiley, 9/27/19
Gov. Gavin Newsom at an annual celebration of Native American culture said he wanted greater “truth telling” of California’s indigenous history and a stronger acknowledgment of the state’s genocide of native people.
Newsom Proclaims Sept. 27 Native American Day, SCV News, 9/27/19
SACRAMENTO – As leaders of Native American tribes from across California gathered Friday to celebrate the 52nd Annual Native American Day at the state Capitol, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring September 27, 2019, as Native American Day in the State of California.
9th annual Thunder & Lightning Powwow kicks off in Cabazon KESQ 3, Madison Weil, 9/27/19
CABAZON, Calif. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is holding its annual Thunder and Lightning Powwow, a three-day event honoring Native American culture.
Native American Family’s Priceless Heirlooms Stolen in Sacramento Fox40 Sacramento, Jessica Mensch, 9/30/19
SACRAMENTO — Precious items of clothing used for prayer were stolen from a Native American family in Sacramento. Feathered hats and elaborate jewelry serve a deeper purpose for the Mountain Maidu tribe.
52nd Annual California Native American Day
Celebrate the Historical and Cultural Contributions of California Native Americans
To celebrate and honor the historic and cultural contributions by California Native Americans, the 52nd Annual California Native American Day will take place on the west steps of the California State Capitol on September 27, 2019, from 10 am to 2 pm. California Governor Gavin Newsom is invited to headline a day of speakers and ceremonies that include traditional dances and regalia (traditional Native American dress). This year’s event will also serve as the official kick-off for the “Protect Native Culture” special interest license plate campaign, benefitting the California Native American Heritage Commission.
Started in 1939 by then-Governor Culbert Olson, “Indian Day” evolved into The California Native American Day in 1968 thanks to Governor Ronald Reagan and California tribal leaders. The Day is considered a time-honored tradition in the California Native American community. The event is hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons Association.
The 2019 California Native American Day will also be the official launch of the “Protect Native Culture” special interest license plate.
For more information, including California Native American Day history and images from past events, go to www.californianativeamericanday.com.
Important Notes:
What: 52nd Annual California Native American Day
When: September 27, 2019, from 10 am – 2pm
Where: West Steps of the California State Capitol
Why: To celebrate and honor the historic and cultural contributions by California Native Americans
Who: Hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons Association, Assemblymember James Ramos and Senator Robert M. Hertzberg (Legislative Sponsors)
Visuals: Ceremonies honoring tribal nation flags, veterans and elders. Traditional dances and regalia (traditional Native American dress). Cultural practitioners, agency booths and vendors
Speakers: Governor Gavin Newsom, Assemblymember James Ramos, Tribal Leaders, other Elected Officials
Media Contacts:
Ricki McCarroll | NUNA Consulting Group | ricki@nunaconsultgroup.com
NEWS ALERT
52nd Annual California Native American Day
September 27, 2019
To celebrate and honor the historic and cultural contributions of California Native Americans, the 52nd Annual California Native American Day will take place on the west steps of the California State Capitol on September 27, 2019, from 10 am to 2 pm.
When: September 27, 2019, from 10 am – 2 pm
Where: West steps of the California State Capitol
Why: To celebrate and honor the historic and cultural contributions by California Native Americans
Who: Hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons Association, Assemblymember James Ramos and Senator Robert M. Hertzberg (Legislative Sponsors).
Visuals: Ceremonies honoring tribal nation flags, veterans and elders. Traditional dances and regalia (traditional Native American dress). Cultural practitioners, agency booths and vendors.
Speakers: Governor Gavin Newsom (invited), Assemblymember James Ramos, Tribal Leaders, other Elected Officials.
*Official Poster: 2019 California Native American Day Poster
*Vendors: Arts and Crafts Vendor Booth Application
*Exhibitors: Exhibitor Registration Form
Historical Facts:
- Native American Day began in California in 1939, when Governor Culbert Olson dedicated October 1st as “Indian Day.”
- In 1968, California Tribal Leaders and Governor Ronald Reagan declared the fourth Friday of September as “California Indian Day.”
- The “Native American Day” celebration on September 25, 2015, is an official State holiday, pursuant to Assembly Bill 1953 (Baca) and signed into law by Governor Pete Wilson on September 21, 1998. Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., in 2011 wrote a Governor’s Proclamation highlighting this momentous and important day.
- The Native American Day Celebration has become a time honored tradition in the Native American community.
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