Governor Newsom proclaims Native American Day, signs bills

The Governor of California proclaimed Native American Day and signed a package of bills supporting tribal priorities on Sep 26, 2025 at the State Capitol.

• Main announcement: Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed Native American Day and signed multiple bills including AB 221, AB 263, AB 977, AB 1004, and AB 1369 to advance tribal priorities; the event took place at the State Capitol on Sep 26, 2025.

  • Signed bills details: AB 263 supports protection of salmon and habitat in the Klamath River watershed; AB 977 directs California State University (CSU) to work with tribes to establish three tribal burial sites on CSU land; AB 1369 clarifies students’ rights to wear traditional tribal regalia at high school graduations; AB 221 streamlines the Tribal Nation Grant Fund.

• Background and program details: The administration highlighted the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program with over $100 million in awards to support tribal climate and conservation projects, and the Jobs First initiative has provided $15 million in grants to 14 tribes/tribal coalitions for economic projects; the California Truth & Healing Council (created via Executive Order N-15-19) will release its final report in summer 2026.