Native American

A green casino card table with labeled betting areas, surrounded by black padded chairs in an expansive cardroom. The room features multiple tables, overhead lights, digital displays, and a chandelier in the background, creating a lively gaming atmosphere.

Commentary

California’s tribal casinos trample smaller cardrooms with new regulations

The tribes with casinos guard their gambling dominance with political clout gained from lavish contributions to political campaigns.

By

Dan Walters

• March 11, 2026

A close-up of a person’s face seen through a reflective surface, with two vertical tattoo lines on the chin, dangling earrings, and their gaze directed upward against a dark, blurred background.

Mental Health

Mental health advocate for California tribes dies; victim in murder-suicide

Celinda Gonzales of the Yurok Tribe worked to prevent suicides among Native Americans after experiencing loss in her family. She "was a friend to many," the tribe said.

By

Nigel Duara

• February 11, 2026

Light brown woven baskets with detailed patternsare displayed on a glass shelf at a museum.

Commentary

Sacred work: Museums and universities must reunite ancestors’ remains with tribes.

Federal and state laws challenge the taking of Native American bones and cultural items. Yet too little has been returned, a curator says.

By Jeannine Pedersen-Guzmán • November 24, 2025

Denise Padgette, of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, holds her granddaughter Lola Lopez during a celebration of California Native American Day at the state Capitol on Sept. 22, 2023. Photo by Miguel GUtierrez Jr., CalMatters

Commentary

Gov. Newsom and Pres. Trump tell the same inadequate tale about Native America

Political leaders talk about “heritage” but not “sovereignty” and see Native tribes as part of the past, not as governments operating now.

By Kerri Malloy • November 24, 2025

A close up of a gambling table with gambling chips, cash, and a card that says, "$50,000" on it.

Digital Democracy

Judge shuts down California tribes’ latest bid to crush their casino rivals

California card rooms emerged victorious in the latest battle over whether tribes should have exclusive rights to offer Las Vegas-style gambling.

By

Ryan Sabalow

• October 10, 2025

A row of brightly lit slot machines with empty black chairs lined up in front of them inside a casino.

Commentary

California leaders enable gaming monopoly, tribal inequity by legislating for the wealthy few

California's wealthiest tribes, preparing for digital gaming, are pushing a bill to effectively ban less wealthy tribes from offering online sweepstakes games.

By Charlie Wright • September 30, 2025

A view from behind of a person seated at a table while they speak to three people sitting on a dais during a hearing.

Politics

They drove for hours to speak in the Capitol. California lawmakers cut them off

As lawmakers rush through thousands of bills in Sacramento and make decisions in secret, regular Californians are often silenced.

By

Ryan Sabalow

and

Hans Poschman

• May 19, 2025

A young graduate stands in front of a home wearing a colorful stole that reads "Class of 2025" and holds ceremonial feathers in both hands. The stole features bright stripes in red, blue, green, and yellow, symbolizing Native American heritage. Warm evening light casts soft shadows across the house behind him.

K-12 Education

California lets students wear tribal regalia at graduations. Why it’s still controversial

Many school districts require students to undergo a lengthy process if they want to wear tribal or other cultural regalia at graduation. A new bill would eliminate those obstacles.

By

Carolyn Jones

• May 16, 2025

Politics

Inland Empire lawmakers tackle gas prices, taxes, crime

New bills proposed by Inland Empire lawmakers would void new fuel standards, remove taxes from tips and bolster investigations of missing or killed Indigenous people.

By

Deborah Brennan

• January 8, 2025

Ms. UCR Powwow Princess 2023-24, Tishmal Herrera, dances at a performance during Native American Celebration Day at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Sept. 22, 2023. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

K-12 Education

The brutal story behind California’s new Native American genocide education law

A new law requires California students to learn Native American history in a way that includes the mistreatment and perspectives of tribal members.

By

Carolyn Jones

• October 10, 2024