Native American Day 2006 Celebration at California State Capitol

      Vietnam Vets from Tule River at Native American Day Ceremonies *


Native American Indian Day
September 22, 2006

California State Capitol 
Sacramento, California

“Honoring the 30th Anniversary of the
Native American Heritage Commission

An acknowledgment of California Indians came in 1968 when Governor Ronald Reagan signed a resolution calling for the fourth Friday of each September to be designated as American Indian Day. It was hoped that this acknowledgment would help to inform the general public about Indian heritage and the problems that are confronted by Indians in California today.

For many years thereafter, the California tribes celebrated the fourth Friday of September by renewing their ties to the Earth and keeping alive the ways of their ancestors. Today, people of all ages celebrate “Native American Indian Day” by learning more about the culture, heritage and traditions of the California Indian. The California State Indian Museum was onsite with booths selling craft items, and California State Parks’ California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC) was on hand as well, distributing information about the CIHC project.

Hundreds joined in the celebration on September 22nd at the California State Capitol and enjoyed the following activities:

• Cultural Presenters
• Traditional California Indian Arts
• Blessing Ceremony: Mrs. Wilma Moman, Ione Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Elder
• Dance Groups:
  Hintachil Kebanm Dancers, Shingle Spring Rancheria –
  Hui o ke ao Malamalama Dancers of El Dorado County & California Valley Miwok Tribe-
  Sheep Ranch Rancheria Me-wuk Dancers of Calaveras County
• Drum Group: Painted Rock Singers from Tule River Indian Reservation

View Printable Version of Governor's Proclamation

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Sponsored by the State Native American Liaisons of California. Participating organizations included Native American organizations, Tribes, federal, state, and local governments  including Caltrans, State Native American Heritage Commission, California State Parks, Department of Consumer Affairs, State Native American liaisons, Department of Fair Employment and Housing Commission, California Department of Justice-Attorney General’s Office, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Housing & Community Development, Department of Water Resources, and Department of Housing and Community Development.
* Photo by Karen Santana