California mandates schools to teach Native American history

California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted a law mandating public schools to include lessons on the historical mistreatment of Native Americans during the Spanish colonization and gold rush periods. This legislation aims to address the educational discrepancies faced by Indigenous communities, as highlighted by Johnny Hernandez Jr., a member of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The law requires the California Department of Education to collaborate with tribal representatives to update the history and social studies curriculum by January 1, 2025. Newsom's signing of this bill coincided with California Native American Day, emphasizing the state's commitment to recognizing and honoring Indigenous cultures. The legislation builds on previous efforts to incorporate Native American history into school curricula, acknowledging the long-standing neglect and misrepresentation of California's First Peoples. Assemblymember James C. Ramos, the first Native American lawmaker in California, expressed that the new curriculum will correct historical omissions regarding the violence and suffering endured by Native Americans during critical periods in California's history. This initiative is part of a broader movement to promote equity and inclusion for Native peoples in the state, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for accurate historical representation in education.