Presentation: California Truth and Healing Council

Listen and learn about the findings of the California Truth and Healing Council investigation of the lasting effects of the genocide committed against California Native Americans. In 2019, the California Truth and Healing Council (CTHC) was created after Governor Newsom recognized and formally apologized for the genocide committed against Native American people in the early days of California statehood. Through present-day oral histories and revisiting early documents, the CTHC will present an official report on its findings to clarify the past and recommend possible avenues of restorative justice.

In addition to the report, the CTHC has engaged Jacob Kornbluth, an Emmy-winning director of TV, film, and theater, to produce the documentary film, “We’re Still Here.” The film follows California Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari (Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians) and Deputy Tribal Affairs Secretary Loretta Miranda (Morongo Band of Mission Indians), two California Native women who lead and convene the Council. This film project aims to educate and engage wider audiences about the diverse histories and nuances of California Indian Country, all while featuring irreplaceable personal narratives from California Native people and examining the tensions of existing as a California Native person after a state-perpetrated genocide as the state works towards healing.

To find out more information about the California Truth & Healing Council, please visit tribalaffairs.ca.gov/cthc/