Roman C. Rain Tree
P.O. Box 27691
Fresno, CA. 93729-7691
acknowledgealltribes@gmail.com
August 06, 2024
Governor Gavin Newsom
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Newsom,
As a member of one of the diverse tribal communities in California, I am writing to you with a heavy heart to bring urgent attention to the ongoing cultural ethnocide that threatens the very essence of our indigenous heritage and identity. The depth of this crisis demands immediate and decisive action, and I implore you to utilize your powers of executive order to address this pressing issue, for the first time in California history.
California, as the indigenous homeland of numerous tribal communities, holds a special place in the hearts of its original inhabitants. It is disheartening to witness the erosion of our cultural traditions, languages, and sacred sites due to the forces of ethnocide that seek to erase our identities and histories. The statistics speak volumes - nearly 25% of all current federally acknowledged tribal petitions originate from California, with half of these petitions representing indigenous communities in the Sierra San Joaquin Valley.
Governor Newsom, the time to act is now. By issuing an executive order that acknowledges and embraces the entire diverse tribal community of California, you have the opportunity to set a historic precedent and demonstrate your unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation. Your bold action can pave the way for healing, empowerment, and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
I urge you to stand in solidarity with the indigenous peoples of California, listen to their voices, and take the necessary steps to ensure their rights, dignity, and sovereignty are respected and protected. Together, we can work towards a future where all tribal communities thrive and flourish in harmony with the land and each other.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter, Governor Newsom. Your leadership in this defining moment will be remembered and celebrated by generations of indigenous peoples to come.
Sincerely,
Roman C. Rain Tree
Choinumni
Dunlap Band of Mono
Wukchumni