Tribal Involvement in the Development of Archaeological Standards and Policies in California

The Archaeological Resources Committee (Committee) of the State Historic Resources Commission (SHRC) is seeking input and feedback from the California Indian community on how to improve the practice of archaeology in California.  Most archaeology work in California is performed in response to environmental and historic preservation laws, notably the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 

Past and on-going archaeological work performed under CEQA, in particular, has raised concerns among the Indian community, including the lack of defined and enforceable standards and guidelines about how Native American archaeological sites and cultural places are considered and treated or preserved under CEQA, and who is qualified as a professional to conduct such studies.  Many California Indians have expressed the need for regular and early participation in the CEQA review process, involvement of tribal monitors during all phases of study, and guarantees that Indian views and recommendations will be respected and duly considered by local governments and other lead agencies responsible for making land-use and planning decisions.

The Archaeological Resources Committee has obtained comments from professional archaeologists working across the State on the series of White Papers published last year in the Society for California Archaeology Newsletter.  The comment period for archaeologists is now closed.

The California Indian community can provide written comments and input in several ways.

In addition to California Indians, the Committee is seeking comments on the White Papers from local governments, cities, counties, planners and building industry. All comments are due no later than October 31, 2008.

Please review and comment in writing about the White Papers, which can be found on-line at http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24556. They address the topics of standards and guidelines, preservation, interpretation, conservation and curation. The focus of the comments and input should be on identifying specific actions the SHRC can take to improve the practice of archaeology in California.  

Tribal input is very important to ensure that Native American values and culture are considered and treated with respect during the practice of archaeology in California. 

If you would like assistance in writing your comments, you may call Janet Eidsness at (530) 629-3153, or Anthony Madrigal at the Native American Heritage Commission at (916) 653-4083. 

Questions to the Committee or your comments on the White Papers can be emailed to SHRC_ARC@YAHOO.COM, or mail - SHRC Archaeological Resources Committee, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, CA 94296-0001.

Commissioner Trafzer named the Rupert Costo Chair in American Indian Affairs

Native American Heritage Commissioner Clifford Trafzer was appointed as the Costo Chair in American History at the University of California Riverside.  The ceremony included a performance by Cahuilla Indian Bird Singers,which included NAHC Staff Counsel, Anthony Madrigal.

In 1986, Rupert Costo, a member of the Cahuilla Tribe, endowed the first academic Chair in the world in the field of American Indian History.  The Costos established the Chair to further the research of scholars who were dedicated to providing accurate, path-breaking, and community-based research about Native Americans. 

Dr. Trafzer has been a Commissioner of the Native American Heritage Commission since 1988 and currently holds the position of Vice Chairperson.  Dr. Trafzer has been a member of the University of California, Riverside faculty since 1990 and teaches American Indian History and Public History.  Dr. Trafzer works closely with many Indian communities and is committed to working with and for Native Nations and Indian people.

Dr. Trafzer has published several books and articles, including Native Universe:  Voices of Indian America, which the Smithonian's National Museum of the American Indian published in 2004 as its inaugural book when the museum opened.

As Costo Chair, Dr. Trafzer plans to expand research and community involvement and support student projects in the area of California Indian history and culture.

 

 

Gov. Schwarzenegger Appoints Five Members to Native American Heritage Commission

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointments of Leslie Lohse, Marshall McKay, Laura Miranda, James Ramos and Julie Tumamait-Stenslie as members of the Native American Heritage Commission.

"Native Americans play incredibly important roles in our state's culture and success. Their customs and languages are invaluable parts of our state's history, which is why I am honored to observe Native American Heritage Month," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I am confident the individuals appointed today will continue to preserve this wonderful heritage for generations to come."

These positions require Senate confirmation and there is no salary.

CA INDIAN COMMEMORATIVE SEAL

“Honor the Past, Envision the Future,” the 25-minute video on the California Indian and Spanish and Mexican Commemorative Seals installed on the State Capitol’s West Steps in 2002, will be shown twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Museum Theater located in the basement.

The Indian Seal portrays the humanity of the Indigenous people of California. This seal represents an artistic symmetry and harmony, which is reflective of Indian culture.

Artist Robert Freeman, a Luiseno Indian born on the Rincon Indian Reservation in San Diego County, designed the seal.