News from Native California

Native Poetry Reading and Discussion
2026-06-30 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA, 94704, United States
Join for a reading and conversation with @aja_couchois_duncan on Thursday, June 30, 6-7:30 PM at the Berkeley Central Library, (2090 Kittredge St.,Mystery Room on the 2nd floor).Aja Couchois Duncan is a social justice coach and capacity builder of Ojibwe, French and Scottish descent living on the ancestral and stolen lands of the Tamal-ko/Coast Miwok people. The Intimacy Trials, Aja’s new collection of post-apocalyptic Native poetry, creates possibility for repair and reconciliation.She explores cycles of violence, loss, and love across history.Theresa Harlan and Ámate Pérez will join Aja for a discussion. Theresa Harlan is an advocate for Indigenous ancestral lands and Director of The Alliance for Felix Cove. Ámate Pérez is a Nahua Indigenous person from Kuskatlan (El Salvador), a mother, justice warrior, two-spirit activist, a martial artist and healer.Bring your questions and see you there!

Reclaiming Our Stories: Live Podcast Recording
2026-06-27 19:00 - 21:30 | The Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, United States
Experience and evening of conversation, storytelling, and community as voices from the series gather to explore Indigenous histories, cultures, and futures.
Hosted and story-woven by the Honorable Victorio L. Shaw, Esq., this six-episode “Reclaiming Our Stories” series centers on Indigenous voices, leadership, and lived experiences from across California. Through conversations with tribal leaders, artists, educators, and advocates, the series explores narrative sovereignty, cultural continuity, and the power of storytelling.
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Reclaiming Our Stories invites listeners to broaden their understanding of history by engaging perspectives that are too often absent from mainstream narratives.
Featured voices in the series include Judge Abby Abinanti (Yurok), Georgiana Sanchez (Chumash, O’odham), Cristina Gonzales (Chumash), Terria Smith (Cahuilla), Cindi Alvitre (Tongva), Nicole Myers-Lim (Pomo), and Michelle Lee (Pit River, Cahuilla).

American Indian Community Culture & Land Stewardship Program
2026-06-27 12:00 - 15:00 | Black Point Historic Gardens, 2 Fort Mason 11, San Francisco, CA, 94123
Join American Indian Cultural District this Saturday for the June 2026 Community Culture and Land Stewardship Day!Spend the day building intergenerational connections while gardening, gathering seeds, quilting, and grounding ourselves in traditional ecological knowledge. If you plan to participate in the land stewardship part of the program please wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing. No prior experience is needed, and accessibility accommodations are available upon request.RSVP Required: https://tinyurl.com/ydyerdft

18th Sycuan Ipai-Tipai Matayuum
2026-06-27 10:00 - 21:00 | Sycuan Recreation Center, 5577 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, CA, United States
Schedule of Events: SATURDAY JUNE 26, 2026
Horseshoe tournament (tribal) – 10am
Registration – 11am-4:30pm
Hosted Lunch – 12pm
Native Baby Pageant – 4pm
Bird Dancing Contest – 5pm
Peon (Captain call) – 7:30pm

Summer Solstice Boutique
2026-06-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Chumash Indian Museum, 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, United States
Join in on Saturday, June 27 for a vibrant Summer Solstice celebration! Browse unique items by local Native vendors, enjoy delicious food and drinks, experience the immersive storytelling of Alan Salazar, and get creative with an interactive sun dial craft activity.
Entry is free with paid museum admission or membership. Buy your tickets or become a member today at chumashmuseum.org.
Date: 2026-06-27
Location: Chumash Indian Museum
3290 Lang Ranch Parkway
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Cost: free with paid museum admission and to members
Event Contact Information:
Telephone: (805) 492-8076
Website: https://www.chumashmuseum.org/event-details/summer-solstice-boutique
Email: events@chumashmuseum.org

Sobriety Celebration
2026-06-27 09:30 - 16:00 | Flicker Building Cultural Center, 3050 International Blvd, Oakland, CA, 94601, United States

FAIHP 2026 Young Adults Native Gala
2026-06-26 17:30 - 22:00 | Holland Park West, 3855 North Bryan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93723, United States
Indigenous young adult focused celebration of art, fashion, and community values. This is a time and space for our young natives to prosper!

FAIHP Young Adult Native Gala (ages 18-28) – June 26th, 2026
Join FAIHP for the FAIHP Young Adult Native Gala to unite young adults; uplifting a space to nurture friendship, love and positivity. This gala celebrate indigenous fashion, community values, and is intended to create meaningful visibility for all native young adults. This event honors aim to honor graduates, recognize achievements and elevate awareness on relevant issues impacting the Native community while building pride, connection and joy. All of our relations!

Pala Pop Up Shop
2026-06-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Pala Mission Park, 11773 Pala Mission Circle, Pala, CA, 92959, United States
Pala Pop Up Shop: June 26, 2026
10am-4pm | Pala Mission Park | 11773 Pala Mission Circle
Open to the public | For vendor info contact April: (760) 638-6462

Heyday Presents: Terria Smith and Chris La Tray in conversation
2026-06-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Clio’s Books, 353 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Join Terria Smith and Chris La Tray at another installment of Heyday Presents, an ongoing conversation series presented in collaboration with Clio’s. Terria’s book I Love You So Many charts the intersection of travel and Indigeneity, sharing her journey from the Torres Martinez Reservation to the Cuban seaside and beyond. I Love You So Many is an ode to adventure and an account of what it means to leave one’s comfort zone—and what can happen on the other side. She will be joined in conversation by fellow author Chris La Tray, whose 2024 book Becoming Little Shell (Milkweed Editions) recounts Chris’ exploration of his family’s past and his Native heritage, kept secret from him for years.
Copies of both authors’ books are available for purchase in advance with your ticket.

Under the Sun: Solstice Soundscape with Film, Poetry, & Music
2026-06-21 05:30 - 21:00 | The Fowler Museum at UCLA, 308 Charles E Young Drive North, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
On the evening of Sunday, June 21, celebrate the summer solstice with @fowlermuseum 🌞
The program will open with a screening of “Yáamay: An Ode to Blooming,” a lyrical short film highlighting the voices and lived experiences of contemporary California Indigenous women. Following the screening, join a conversation with co-directors Camaray Davalos and Casse Kíihut, along with poet and producer Avelaka Macarro.
The evening will continue in the Fowler Amphitheater with music and live performance by Genevra Munroa, Alexis Munroa, and Andrew Dyer, followed by poetry readings from Jessa Calderon and Solange Aguilar as the sun sets. Light refreshments will be served as we gather to honor land, light, and community.

RSVP Here
Graphics designed by Grace Bui-Luu

American Indian Cultural District (AICD) Resilience & Renewal Art Unveiling Celebration
2026-06-20 11:30 - 12:30 | 16th Street BART Station, 2000 Mission Street, San Francisco
This celebration will feature the unveiling of two large-scale sphere-shaped sculptural activations created in partnership with OEWD and local Bay Area Native American artists. The installations reframe the 250-year commemorations of San Francisco, California, and the United States by uplifting stories of Native resilience, cultural revitalization, and healing in response to the impacts of colonization and displacement. The sculptures center themes of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, cultural practices, Indigenous resilience, and healing through Native-led public art and storytelling.
These activations are part of the broader IndigenizeSF Initiative and the AICD Uplift Local Campaign, demonstrating how arts and culture can strengthen community identity, support local artists, activate public spaces, and create economic opportunities within the American Indian Cultural District.

Los Angeles Native Youth Conference, Hoops and Heritage
2026-06-20 09:00 - 15:00 | California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, United States
The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI), Eduation & Cultural Learning Department, and American Indian Studies, California University, Northridge are pleased to invite you to attend the Los Angeles Native Youth Conference, taking place this summer at CSUN. This conference is for youth ages 12-24 and features interactive workshops, motivational speakers, sports activities, cultural teachings, and opportunities for creative expression. Native leaders, mentors, artists, and community organizations will be on hand to support youth as they explore their identity, strengthen their confidence, and discover new skills.
Los Angeles Native Youth Conference, Hoops and Heritage
Saturday, June 20, 2026
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330
Featured Speakers & Guests
MarJon Beauchamp – La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, Philadelphia 76ers
Sydney Benally – Navajo, BYU Cougars Guard
Jacob Tobey – Mashpee Wampanoag, Play-by-Play Announcer (San Antonio Spurs)
Chance Rush – Three Affiliated Tribes (Hidatsa), Actor & Motivational Speaker
GinaMaire Garica Scarpa – NABI Co-Founder and President
Registration
https://bit.ly/LANativeYouth
The Conference brings together Native/Indigenous youth, educators, athletes, and community leaders for a day focused on leadership, culture, education, and inspiration. Feel free to share widely and reach out with any questions.

Welcoming Home the Birds
2026-06-19 17:00 - 22:00 | Idyllwild Arts Campus, 52500 Temecula Rd., Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA, 92549, United States
Welcoming Home the Birds
Friday June 19, 2026 5pm-10pm
Free Admission | Everyone Welcome
Food | Fun Activities | Artist Marketplace Invitational
Idyllwild Arts Campus
52500 Temecula Rd
Idyllwild, CA 92549
Visit Idyllwildarts.org/nativeamericanarts for more info.

Tidepool Extravaganza with Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation
2026-06-19 08:00 - 13:00 | Wishtoyo Chumash Village, 33904 Pacific Coast HWY, Malibu, CA, United States
Join us for tidepooling 🦀🐙
Stay a for the beauty of Wishtoyo Chumash Village!
We’re so excited to be hosting Tidepool Extravaganza on Friday, June 19th!
From novice to expert, all experience levels are welcome!
This is a special opportunity to experience the Wishtoyo Village which is typically not open to the public. The best way to connect with the native species of our coasts is by being out with them by the water. Come meet some of our staff, learn about the unique work we do, and get to know your local marine ecosystems!
Please RSVP to sign up and receive important parking information 🌊❤️

35th Annual California Indian Basketweavers' Association Gathering 2026
2026-06-19 - 2026-06-21 | CA
Save the date – The 2026 CIBA Annual Gathering will be hosted by Graton Rancheria!

2026 Native American Arts Festival Week
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-20 | Idyllwild Arts Campus, 52500 Temecula Rd., Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA, 92549, United States
Idyllwild Arts Academy is again presenting its Native American Arts Festival Week featuring five days of artist lectures, activities, and film screenings.

2026 California Native Rooted in Tradition Summit
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-18 | The Westin Carlsbad Resort, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, United States
There are two weeks until our 2026 Rooted in Tradition Summit! 🪶 CCUIH and CRIHB are so excited to have an incredible lineup of speakers and cultural programming traveling in from across California.
Have a look at the topics we will be sharing as well as the youth track sessions, and be sure to register soon!
Registration is free and open to all.
For questions, agenda details, and registration, please check out the website at rootedintraditionsummit.square.site !

THURSDAY JUNE 18

Culturally anchored approach to tribal data sovereignty
Indigenous-centered motivational interviewing & harm reduction in action
Sacred Mountain Healing Center
Youth Track: Sketch, stretch & sound: creative healing tools for youth wellness

California Native Harm Reduction Summit
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-18 | The Westin Carlsbad Resort, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, United States
Save the Date! We are excited to announce the California Native Harm Reduction Summit will return this summer. This year’s summit will be held June 16-18th, 2026 in Carlsbad, on beautiful Payómkawichum (Luiseño) lands. Information on speaker applications, vendor/table applications, attendee registration, and summit website will be coming shortly. As always, our events are free and open to all to attend. Save the date — we hope to see you there! Organized in collaboration with @crihb_1969 and featuring conference art by @art_ofmonica

Bringing Home the Sacred: A Gathering to Support Repatriation in California
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-17 | Hard Rock Sacramento Fire Mountain, 3317 Forty Mile Road, Wheatland, CA, 95652, United States
A two-day gathering to support the repatriation of Indigenous Peoples’ sacred items & human remains in California.
Click here ⬇️ or Scan QR Code to register.
https://forms.gle/FaS3PFdcm1p6AQ7F6

Chumash Marine Stewardship Science Leadership Program
2026-06-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Morro Bay Paddlesports, 1215 Embarcadero Ste. B,, Morro Bay, CA, 93442, United States
Join CHIA for a meaningful day on the water reconnecting with Chumash culture, ocean stewardship, and community. Be part of the first tribally led marine stewardship program within the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
📍 Location: Morro Bay Location: Morro Bay CA.
• Meeting Area/ Check In: Morro Bay Paddlesports 1215 Embarcadero Suite B
11-AM – 3:30/4:00PM
📅 Date: June 13 Saturday 2026
⏰ Check In Time: 10:30-45 Am
Launch Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30
🌿 Program Launch
Chumash Marine Stewardship Science Leadership Program
(Chumash Marine Stewardship SLP)
* Stanford University – Marine Biology, Palumbi Lab
* Chumash Marine Stewards
🔬 Hands-On eDNA Activities
1) Shoreline Casting
Cast a line from shore using a specialized setup to collect environmental DNA samples.
2) Kayak Water eDNA Testing (Guided Training and Demonstration )
Venture just beyond the surf near kelp beds to gather samples using traditional and scientific methods combined.
🎨 Cultural Activities
* Cultural Materials Workshop
🍽 Food & Refreshments
* Free lunch for registered program participants (RSVP required)
What to Bring:
* Beach/Swim wear + Layers! windbreakers or other water-resistant clothes. Incase the weather changes or gets a little windy in the afternoon
* Bring an extra change clothes (and shoes) in case you get wetl
* Drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the day (you will be able to bring your water bottles on the kayaks)
* Sun screen
* Snacks (lunch will be provided but if you would like snacks throughout the day, please feel free to bring some!)
📩 RSVP & More Information
Email: hq@chiaculturalarts.org
This event is open to the Chumash community and their supporters. Come connect, learn, and celebrate marine stewardship rooted in Indigenous leadership.

Sue-meg Visitor Center Grand Re-opening
2026-06-13 11:00 - 15:00 | Sue-Meg State Park (Red Alder and Suemeg Village campsites), 4150 Patricks Point Dr, Trinidad, California, 95570
🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉
Join the Sue-meg State Park Visitor Center Grand Reopening Celebration on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11 AM – 3 PM at Sue-meg State Park!
Celebrate California State Parks Week during this FREE family-friendly event and enjoy a day filled with:
🌿 Guided cultural walks
🎨 Interactive activities & cultural sharing
🧭 Junior Ranger programs for kids
🍴 Food & community gathering
✨ Brand-new interpretive exhibits
…and much more!
This special reopening honors the collaborative work and cultural leadership of the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, Cher-ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, The Yurok Tribe, and California State Parks in developing the new visitor center exhibits.
Bring your family, friends, and community members for a fun-filled day of learning, reflection, and celebration as we honor the people who made this vision possible.
📍 Park Address:
4150 Patricks Point Dr.
Trinidad, CA 95570
HWY Exit 734
California State Parks is excited to celebrate with you at Sue-meg State Park! 🌲💚

Esselen Tribe of Monterey County at Andrew Molera State Park
2026-06-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Andrew Molera State Park, 45500 CA-1, Big Sur, CA, 93920, United States

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Good Medicine
2026-06-12 18:30 - 21:30 | Yerba Buena Gardens, 750 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
GOOD MEDICINE
FRI. JUNE 12
6:30–9:30PM
Free RSVP at ybgfestival.org/event/good-medicine
🎤🔥 This one’s going to be extra special. For the first time, Good Medicine brings its all-Native comedy showcase to Yerba Buena Gardens Festival! Co-founded by Oakland comedian Jackie Keliiaa, the nationally acclaimed show has sold-out venues across the country while cultivating joy and community and reshaping narratives about Native life. This special night brings some of the best and brightest Native comedians from across North America to the Gardens.
Featuring:
Jackie Keliiaa – an Oakland comedian, writer and actor featured on Comedy Central, Netflix’s Spirit Rangers and the producer and host of Good Medicine.
Ernie Tsosie – a Navajo comedian and actor known for Dark Winds, Rez Ball and hard-hitting laughs with a positive message.
Gigi Modrich – a Jicarilla Apache comedian and writer whose sharp, sarcastically optimistic comedy has appeared everywhere from The Comedy Store to The Onion.
Dash Turner – a Yurok comedian and TV writer behind Solar Opposites, Krapopolis and Rutherford Falls.
Arrive early for pre-show music from DJ Interval, food from Wahpepah’s Kitchen and Native artists throughout the Gardens. Picnics encouraged.
Please note: comedians may use adult language and discuss mature themes. Guests under 18 are welcome with an accompanying adult.
FREE. OUTDOORS. FRESH.
Photos by: Jim McCambridge and Tai Leclaire

Habitat Restoration Day at Heron Shadow
2026-06-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Heron Shadow, 9394 Ross Station Rd, Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
Habitat Restoration Day at Heron Shadow
Friday, June 12
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Sebastopol, CA
Join a community habitat restoration volunteer day at The Cultural Conservancy’s Heron Shadow Farm!
Activities include planting native perennials, plant propagation in the native nursery, and embellishing water features in the riparian zone. If it rains, there will be plenty of space to stay dry in the greenhouse to help with sowing seeds and potting plants.
Click here to register for the event.
Once you register, you will receive a follow-up email with more information about the day and location.
TCC is excited to share this special space with you this season. Questions? Please emailtcc@nativeland.org.
Join TCC every second Friday of the month at Heron Shadow for community habitat restoration volunteer days. Stay tuned for future weekend volunteer opportunities.

Acorn Focaccia Demonstration
2026-06-08 18:00 - 19:30 | California Indian Museum & Cultural Center, 5250 Aero Dr., Santa Rosa, CA, 95403, United States

Honored Elders Day
2026-06-06 | California State Indian Museum, 2618 K St., Sacramento, CA, 95816, United States
The California State Indian Museum is excited to announce the 47th Annual Honored Elders Day (HED)! This event is organized in partnership with California State Parks, the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation, and a Native planning committee. Join us for a day filled with memorable activities, including an Elders Luncheon, cultural sharing and gift giving, presentations by special guests, performances by Native dance groups, artisan booths, and much more! This FREE event is open to the public – everyone is welcome to attend!
Elder registration will open in mid-April. For questions or additional details, please contact the museum at (916) 324-0971.
Date: 2026-06-06
Location: California State Indian Museum
Cost: FREE
Event Contact Information:
Telephone: 9163240971

38th Annual Honoring of the Elders Gathering
2026-06-05 19:00 - 2026-06-07 16:00 | Inspiration Point – Mt. Madonna County Par, 7850 Pole Line Road, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States

Water Walk 2026
2026-06-04 10:30 - 14:00 | Ocean Beach, Great Hwy & Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94132, United States
The Native American community is invited to gather in prayer, purpose, and unity at the Water Walk in San Francisco. Together, participants will honor and offer prayers for the water — the lifeblood of our Mother Earth — and uplift the sacred responsibility humans hold as protectors of this vital source. Women are encouraged to wear their ceremonial skirts.
Water Walk 2026
🗓️June 4th, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 2 PM
📍Ocean Beach, Stairwell 15 | 1398 Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94122

2026 Journey of a Water Protector Gathering
2026-06-04 - 2026-06-07 | Pyramid Lake, Nevada
All are invited to attend the 2026 Journey of a Water Protector gathering. This will be the fifth year of the hosts organizing this event. The hosts continue to remember the late Norm Harry, a father, husband, and ancestor whose life commitment was the protection of teepu (Earth Mother), pa’a (water), pakwe (fish), and e numudooe (our relatives and communities).

This environmental campout is set for two days with two travel days. This includes camp set up, training, teach-ins, film screenings and honoring sacred waters. These are the days we bring people together from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, 2SLGBTQ and Non-Native communities. This is the time we develop inspiration and guidance from the late Norm Harry (Numu) Pyramid Lake Paiute/Walker River Paiute who developed passionate ties to water and land. He passed in August of 2020. As Norm continues on with his spiritual journey, Autumn and Beverly continue to honor the traditions of family who believe that traditional knowledge is the foundation of healing with prayer, song and dance. We should understand the issues of intergenerational trauma and learn the ways Indigenous People can heal.
This year’s sessions include: a visit to the Anaconda mine, organizing against data centers, traditional food preparation, screenprinting, art builds, and spending time hiking, birding, and swimming in Kooyooe Pa’a.
This event is open to everyone and is committed to creating an inclusive space for Indigenous, Black, Brown, and LGBTQ2S+ Relatives. This will be an outdoor gathering at home on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation.
The cost to attend is $150. Attendance is free for all Indigenous relatives (must be registered) **This is an alcohol and drug-free event.
Please register at the link in bio by May 30th. Pesa mu!

Breath of Life 2026
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-06 | UC Berkeley, 2401 Bancroft Ave, Berkeley, CA, United States
Applications for Breath of Life Archival Institute for Indigenous California Languages are now open: Apply at aicls.org by March 6, 2026
