From 2027, Native American Day will be a paid state holiday in California, thanks to a bill proposed by an Inland Empire lawmaker.
In October 2026, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill to create the holiday, that will be observed on the fourth Friday of September.
The bill was brought forward by Assembly member James C. Ramos, the first and only Native American state lawmaker in California. He represents the 45th district, which includes San Bernardino County.
Ramos said the bill “recognizes the profound role Native communities have played in shaping the state’s culture and identity by setting the foundation for a paid state holiday.”
State officials say moving to make Native American Day a paid state holiday is about fostering pride and respect for the state’s indigenous population.
Native American Day celebrates the distinctive culture of the Native American people indigenous to California and calls attention to their triumphs and struggles that comprise their rich history.
California designated the fourth Friday of September in 1998 as California Native American Day to dismantle the misconceptions about California Indians.
Previously, Students were led to believe California history began with the arrival of the first explorers and lacked a fundamental understanding of Native American’s existing society. Native populations across the country were seen as primitive and were too often associated with stereotypes like teepees and drums.
