In 1939, then-Gov. Culbert Olson declared Oct. 1 as "Indian Day" to recognize the contributions and culture of California's Native tribes. California was the first state to do so. In 1968, during Ronald Reagan's governorship, the date changed to the fourth Friday of September and renamed "California Native American Day." A few years later in 1970, Riverside's Mayor Ben H. Lewis proclaimed Sept. 25 as "American Indian Day."
From left: American Indian Day 1970, American Indian Recognition Week. | Lorene Sisquoc
The purpose for such emphasis on California Native people has much to do with the way they have been historically talked about and documented by non-natives. Always in past tense and never fully understood for the diverse communities that exist across the state. Native tribes are not monoliths, and stereotypes that perpetrate this narrative are being dismantled; rightly so. California is historically home to the most tribes in the country – both federally and non-federally recognized. According to worldpopulationreview.com: "While Alaska leads in federally recognized tribes, California has the largest combined total of both federally recognized and non-recognized tribes, reflecting its deep and diverse heritage." Similar in ways, yet each has unique languages, beliefs, traditions, food ways and customs.
If you are from Riverside, you may already know there are 12 federally recognized tribes across the county and one in San Bernardino County making the total 13 for the Inland Empire. Thirteen federally recognized Native American tribes in the Inland Empire alone. And if you didn't know, that is why we have California Native American Day. To call attention to their rich history, triumphs, successes, and unfortunately, their struggles as well. At times, it can be difficult to discuss Native history without bringing up the atrocities. Because then we must come to terms with the US government funded genocide carried out by the military and vigilante groups inflicted on California Native people in the attempt to exterminate an entire population. You see, many were and continue to be taught that California history begins with the arrival of settlers, when in actuality it began in the middle of Native history. This is due to dominant society controlling the narrative in California, and Riverside is not exempt from this truth. While those who brought industry are constantly praised and held in high regard, the cost of progress meant the displacement of Native communities in the surrounding area. Riversiders are a proud bunch, and acknowledging this truth may be a hard pill to swallow. Natives do not have famous architects who drew up downtown cities. Instead, they have the unsung labor force who laid the bricks, dug the irrigation systems, picked and packaged the fruits, but who also fought tirelessly for civil rights and equal opportunity.
To celebrate California Native American Day is to appreciate what is often misunderstood. Every Native across the state is directly linked to those who suffered the most during a time of mass migration in California's history. For them, history means something different from those of colonial settlers' backgrounds. Everything had to do with survival, existence and perfecting the strategy of navigating relationships with foreigners who saw them as primitive, savages worthy of nothing but "killing the Indian to save the man." They have oral histories, cultural customs and traditions and languages that they continue to pass on and teach to their relatives and communities. California Natives have fierce women like Gabrielino/Tongva Toypurina, brave men such as Cahuilla leader Juan Antonio and plenty of proof they did not give in quietly with one example being the 1775 Kumeyaay revolt at Mission San Diego. Bypassing this part of California's story is no longer an option or accepted. Native populations are creating change by telling their stories their way. With the power of social media and visual storytelling easily accessible, the time is upon us to fully discuss the California Native experience. State holidays like the one on Sept. 25 give the public an opportunity to learn about tribal nations of their region and break stereotypes that they may possess.
In 1998, California Assembly passed Assembly Bill 1953 which officially made the fourth Friday of September "California Native American Day" a state holiday. Years later in 2006, the city of Riverside went a step further and proclaimed the fourth week of September "American Indian Recognition Week" whereas our schools and colleges are encouraged to celebrate, learn and join in festivities. Lorene Sisquoc was there to accept the Proclamation and recently had this to say about its meaning: "We wanted the city to have Native themed activities and/or events all week to honor the first nations. Invite Native artists, authors, singers, dancers, storytellers, tribal leaders, scholars, professionals and athletes to libraries, museums, rec centers and schools to present and share with the community California Native culture and traditions." Unfortunately, over the years, engagement and collaborations have been low. Could it be because of the governing turnover, or that people forget? For whatever the reasons are, with these words, hopefully it will nudge the people of Riverside to engage and encourage learning of tribal nations of the area.
Some in the city continue to celebrate California Native American Day. UCR's Native American Student Programs celebrates with an intimate event and activity for the campus community. Teresa Woodard of Museum of Riverside says: "For at least the past 15 years or so, we have opened the First Sunday in October with some kind of tribute to local stories, and/or activities relating to Native Americans. This was more in line with Riverside's Native American Week that Lori Sisquoc was instrumental in establishing." This year they will continue with their festivities. Our neighbors in San Bernardino host teacher conferences, student conferences, and luncheons for the purpose of "hosting a gathering of local dignitaries, elected officials and education leaders to discuss the impact of curriculum and legislation centered around bringing greater recognition to the unique identities and issues that define the state's First Peoples" as stated on nativeamericanday.org. They begin in late August and pick back up the last week of September and finally ending with an event open to the public on Sept. 25 hosted at Cal State San Bernardino.
In honor of the holiday, take a stroll to Main Street between 11th and 10th streets. There you will find the interactive "Still Here" mural. The biggest Native American mural in Riverside done by Rosy Cortez in collaboration with local Natives. Or get a ticket to a screening of an episode of People of the West. A 10-part docuseries produced by Pechanga Band of Indians that according to their website, they are "challenging conventional narratives and revealing stories that have been overlooked for generations." Take a drive to the Morongo reservation and visit Malki Museum. View the items on display before enjoying the garden. If traveling isn't ideal, stay in and watch Pá'Čapa: A Mt. Rubidoux Story, available on YouTube. There is much to learn from California Native people, and this time around the lessons are coming directly from them.
