California State Capitol (Photo/Levi Rickert for Native News Online)
More than a hundred tribal leaders, advocates and others will gather Thursday, Aug. 27, at 9:30 a.m. on the Capitol West Steps to urge passage of a bill that would provide enforceable protections for the free exercise of California Indian religious and spiritual practices on state lands.
The measure, AB 1881, is authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino), the first and only California Native American elected to the state Legislature.
AB 1881 would allow tribal communities access to sacred sites to gather traditional plants and foods and provide the freedom to use ceremonial items. The bill establishes clear, enforceable standards prohibiting state agencies from substantially burdening a California tribe’s right to religious practice unless the state can demonstrate a compelling interest in doing so. Even then, the state would be required to use the least restrictive means possible.
The legislation would also protect the handling of sacred items and regalia on state grounds, including at the State Capitol.
Ramos said, “After centuries of atrocities that included genocide, forced cultural assimilation including the separation of children from their parents, and the denial of basic civil rights such as the practice of their spiritual and cultural traditions, it is absurd that California’s First People, should still be forced into demanding the civil rights already granted to others.
“This bill has received numerous letters of support highlighting the tribal communities’ unified voice in wanting to strengthen protections for our freedom to exercise religious and spiritual practices on state lands.”
WHAT: Rally in support of AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act authored by Assemblymember James C. Ramos
WHO: (Partial List) Assemblymembers Ramos and Avelino Valencia, Indigenous Justice Founder and Executive Director Morning Star Gali, Wilton Rancheria Tribal Chairman Jesus Tarango, tribal representatives from Ione Band of Miwok Indians, Heather Hostler, Executive Director of California Indian Legal Services, Director of Policy, Training and Tribal Relations for California Native Vote Calvin Hedrick, California Consortium of Urban Indian Health Executive Director of Indian Health Jennifer Ruiz and other tribal members and advocates.
WHEN: Thurs., Aug. 27; 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Sacramento Capitol West Steps
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