Johnny Hernandez Jr., vice chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in Southern California, shared his childhood experience of hearing conflicting accounts of Indigenous history in California. One perspective came from his elders, based on their own experiences, while the other was taught in school, minimising the mistreatment Native Americans faced. Hernandez found it confusing as a child to navigate between these narratives from his family and educational institution.
Recently, a bill was signed into law by California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, mandating public schools to incorporate teachings on the mistreatment and contributions of Native Americans during Spanish colonization and the gold rush in the state. This legislation requires the state Department of Education to collaborate with tribes in updating the history and social studies curriculum framework by January 1, 2025.
Hernandez expressed support for this bill before it was signed, emphasizing the importance of correcting educational inaccuracies. The bill signing took place on California Native American Day, marking a day to honor the cultural and historical significance of Indigenous peoples in the state. California is home to 109 federally recognized Indigenous tribes, the second-largest number in the nation after Alaska.
Governor Newsom highlighted the state’s efforts in acknowledging the darker aspects of history, such as historical violence and mistreatment of Native Americans. Apart from this bill, Newsom signed ten additional measures on the same day to further address tribal needs and provide support.
James C. Ramos, the first Native American state lawmaker in California who authored the curriculum bill, noted the importance of including accurate Native American history in school curricula. He emphasized that previous teachings on the Mission and Gold Rush periods overlooked significant aspects like loss of life, enslavement, starvation, and violence inflicted upon California Native American people.
The new legislation builds upon previous efforts in 2022 to encourage collaboration between school districts and tribes to incorporate Indigenous history into educational materials. By addressing historical omissions and misconceptions, lawmakers aim to provide a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of California’s Indigenous history in classrooms.
