Tribal leaders, labor representatives, and state lawmakers are renewing their push to establish California Native American Day as an official paid state holiday, backing legislation they say is long overdue recognition of the state’s First Peoples.
Assembly Bill 1841, introduced by James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), would designate the fourth Friday of September as a paid holiday for state employees. Ramos, a citizen of the Serrano/Cahuilla people, is the first California Native American elected to the Legislature in the state’s nearly 175-year history.
Ramos said his effort to elevate the day spans decades. “I was a San Manuel tribal council member when I started working toward this goal with then-Assemblymember Joe Baca Sr.,” Ramos said. He added, “We have many worthy holidays, but this bill creates justice for past atrocities toward the California Indian people who have lived on this land we call California. They lived here through the colonization, the mission and gold rush eras that were followed by the subsequent enslavement, genocide, forced relocation and assimilation as others moved onto the lands where the First People were living. Native American history is California history which is why they deserve a special acknowledgement.”
The proposal builds on earlier efforts by Ramos, including AB 855, which established a paid judicial holiday in 2021. Supporters say AB 1841 would extend that recognition across state government while also raising awareness of Native history and contributions.
Antoinette Del Rio, chairwoman of the California Valley Miwok Tribe, emphasized that the measure is symbolic but meaningful. “A paid holiday does not atone for the great injustices of the past and those wrongs that continue into the present. But it is an acknowledgement of the price that was paid by California tribes, and it honors those who prevailed through courage, resiliency, and a deep love of the lands,” she said. “It is these lands that constitute this state and its rich history. It is a history brought forward by the native people who called this place home long before any other human beings.”
Labor leaders have also thrown their support behind the bill. Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, said Ramos’ leadership underscores the importance of representation. “James Ramos has drastically shown us why representation matters. Having been elected as the first California Indian in the legislature. He made sure that all the issues we should have been looking at are brought to the forefront. We could not have agreed more, when he came to organized labor and said, ‘I think it’s time for California’s First People to have a paid holiday!” she said.
Supporters argue the bill would align California Native American Day with other state holidays, reinforcing its importance while promoting a fuller understanding of the state’s history. Ramos said the judiciary has already set the precedent.
“It is now time for the rest of the state to follow,” he concluded.
