More from Levi Rickert September 29, 2024
A bill signed Friday by California Governor Gavin Newsom would require California public schools to teach California’s K-12 students about the impact of the Spanish colonial and gold rush era on Native Californians. It became mandatory.
The bill (AB 1821) was authored by Rep. James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), the first and only California Native American elected to Congress.
It was one of seven tribal measures approved by Newsom today, California Native American Day.
“I am pleased that Governor Newsom has approved AB 1821. This is another step toward writing a new chapter in California’s relationship with its tribes. For too long, California’s Indian tribes and their History has been ignored or misrepresented in classroom lessons about the era of Spanish colonization and the Gold Rush, including the loss of life, enslavement, starvation, and disease that affected Native Californians. There is no violence involved,” Ramos said.
“We thank Congressman Ramos for authoring AB 1821 to ensure that a more complete and accurate history of our state is taught,” said Isaiah Vivanco, president of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. Teachings about the era of Spanish colonization and the Gold Rush should include its impact on California’s Native Americans. During these devastating periods, Native Americans endured great loss of life, enslavement, and other dangers. These truths are often not included in instruction on California’s history or the country’s westward expansion. Omitting this history erases the truth of Native American presence on this land and perpetuates the injustices of that era through silence. That’s why AB 1821 is an important step in telling the story of our state’s history and First Peoples. ”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said: This legislation will help California’s Spanish Mission and Gold Rush era curriculum accurately capture the treatment and impact of Native Americans during these important periods in the state’s history. This initiative will help California’s diverse students see, hear, and understand educational materials and develop a deeper appreciation of the history and culture of Native communities. ”
“AB 1821 will create a more relevant and accurate curriculum for students as they learn about the Spanish Colonization and Gold Rush eras of California history,” said Lynn Balbuena, president of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. I will create it.” We are grateful that Governor Newsom signed this bill so California students can learn about the true history and culture of the tribes of the time. ”
A poll released late last year by the Institute for Governmental Research found strong support for requiring California schools to include education about the history and culture of Native American tribes. An overwhelming 80% of respondents supported requirements such as AB 1821.
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About the author
Author: Levi Rickert Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view. Levi “Calm Before the Storm” Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher, and editor of Native News Online. Rickert received the 2021 Native Media Award for Best Column in Print/Online from the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at (email protected).
