Applications are now open! The 58th Annual California Native American Day Friday, September 27, 2025 – State Capitol, West Steps 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Please apply by August 1 to be considered to participate in the Cultural Heritage Pavilion. 
You can access the application here.

Starting in 1939, Native American Day is considered a time-honored tradition in the California Native American community. This is an all-nations event where every tribe, tribal community, and member of the public is welcome. This event is hosted by the California Tribal Chairpersons Association, Native American Heritage Commission, and various state agencies.

There are two ways to participate in this year’s Cultural Heritage Pavilion: as a cultural practitioner or a tribal cultural department.

Cultural Practitioners: The Cultural Heritage Pavilion is an opportunity for individual cultural practitioners from California Native American tribes to share cultural practices, wisdom, language, and history with Native American Day attendees. Up to 20 cultural practitioners will be selected to have a table in the Cultural Heritage Pavilion tent and demonstrate a cultural practice. Cultural practitioners will receive a travel stipend, honorarium, and two lunches at the event.

Tribal Cultural Departments: The Cultural Heritage Pavilion is an opportunity for tribal cultural department staff to share the work of their Tribe’s cultural heritage department including cultural practices, wisdom, language, and history. Up to 10 tribal cultural departments will be selected to participate. Tribal cultural departments are not eligible to receive a travel stipend or honorarium but will receive two lunches at the event.

Application:

Access the application here: https://bit.ly/2025-NAD-CulturalHeritagePavilion

Please submit your application by August 1. Complete applications are reviewed and cultural practitioners selected to ensure geographic representation and diversity of cultural practices being showcased. Up to 20 cultural practitioners and 10 tribal cultural departments will be selected to participate. If you have any trouble accessing the form, please contact Vanessa Soto at 916.327.8508 or [email protected].

Please consider sharing this invitation with other cultural practitioners or tribal cultural departments that may be interested in participating.

For more information about Native American Day, please visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/NativeAmericanDay/ or the event website californianativeamericanday.com.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Vanessa Soto
Tribal Affairs Specialist
[email protected]
916.327.8508

Nathan Blacksmith
Tribal Affairs Program Manager
[email protected]
916.322.4265

Adriana Renteria (she/they)
Director and Tribal Liaison
[email protected]
916.341.5229

Office of Public Engagement, Equity, and Tribal Affairs
State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento CA 95814

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