California Native advocates criticize Gov. Newsom for vetoing bills
Rejecting proposals came after designating paid state holiday to recognize Indigenous people
In an up-and-down series of decisions at the end of September, California Gov. Gavin Newsom officially made Native American Day a paid state holiday, formalized an apology from the state to local tribes and then vetoed two bills pushing for greater tribal involvement in natural resource development statewide.
Newsom first declared a paid state holiday to celebrate Native American Day on the fourth Friday in September, accompanied with additional legislation to issue an official apology to tribes and place a plaque acknowledging past atrocities.
Just a few days later, Newsom went on to veto two bills that tribal advocates hoped would give them greater say in land and water decisions. Indigenous leaders rebuked Newsom for failing to concretize the sentiments behind the holiday and the apology with formal legal mechanisms to support tribal leadership.
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