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News Release

California State University, San Bernardino

  • The California Truth & Healing Council was created by Governor Gavin Newsom by executive order.
  • It bears witness to, records, examines existing documentation of, and receives California Native American narratives regarding the historical relationship between the state of California and California Native Americans in order to clarify the historical record of such relationship in the spirit of truth and healing.
  • The Council is led and convened by the Governor’s Tribal Advisor and governed by a Governing Council of California Native American leaders and may include additional non-voting representatives from California Native American tribes, relevant state and local agencies, and other relevant non-governmental stakeholders.

The California Truth & Healing Council will hold its next quarterly meeting at Cal State San Bernardino’s Yasuda Center for Extended Learning on Friday, November 18, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In-person registration is prioritized as follows: California Native Americans, Native Americans, policymakers and government, NGOs and philanthropy, general public. Hybrid participation is available via Zoom. Registration is recommended and can be done at the California Truth & Healing Council Quarterly Meeting Eventbrite registration page.

The one-day meeting will begin with a facilitated talking circle using the expertise of a culturally appropriate wellness practitioner, who connects participants with tools to work through historical trauma and the work of the Council. The Circle will be followed by a formal hearing with presentations of historical findings, evidence, outcomes and resources as directed by the Council and will conclude with public comment. The schedule is as follows:

  • 9 a.m. | Guests arrive
  • 9:30-11 a.m. | Introductions, blessing and community testimonials/sharing
  • 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch
  • 1:30-3 p.m. | First panel with community discussion
  • 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Local tribal testimony and community discussion/public comment
  • 3-4:30 p.m.| Second panel with community discussion

The California Truth & Healing Council, created by Gov. Gavin Newsom via Executive Order N-15-19, bears witness to, records, examines existing documentation of, and receives California Native American narratives regarding the historical relationship between the state of California and California Native Americans in order to clarify the historical record of such relationship in the spirit of truth and healing. The Council is led and convened by the Governor’s Tribal Advisor and governed by a Governing Council of California Native American leaders and may include additional non-voting representatives from California Native American tribes, relevant state and local agencies, and other relevant non-governmental stakeholders.

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The Council will submit a final written report of its findings to the Governor’s Office by 2025. The final report should reflect a holistic understanding of the historical relationship between California Native Americans and the state, and may also make recommendations aimed at reparation and restoration, and consider how to prevent similar depredations and/or policies in the future.

The Council’s second quarterly meeting will take place Saturday, Nov. 19, at Sherman Indian High School.

For more information and updates, visit the Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs website.

For more information about Native American Heritage Month at CSUSB, visit the CSUSB Native American Heritage Month website and follow the First Peoples’ Center on Instagram, @firstpeoplescenter_csusb.

About Cal State San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate program in educational leadership. Every one of its eligible academic programs has earned national accreditation. CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire. More than 80 percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit the Inside CSUSB news site.