Governor Newsom declared November as Native American Heritage Month in California. This month celebrates the first people of this land along with Native American people from across the nation who now call California home.
Native Americans have above-average rates of intellectual and developmental disabilities, and many families live far from the services they need. That’s why strong partnerships and outreach that listens to and honors each community’s culture are so important. In October, Tribal leaders, regional centers, and community partners from across the State met in Bakersfield to support this work together.
The 4th Annual California Native American Symposium on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities took place on October 22-23, 2025, on the ancestral lands of the Tubatulabal, Yokuts, Tejon Indian Tribe, Paiute, Kitanemuk, and Chumash peoples.
Over two days, attendees participated in conversations and learning sessions on the Indian Child Welfare Act, Early Intervention, the Self-Determination Program, and more. Acorns to Oak Trees, a Service Access and Equity program grantee, also provided Early Start screenings and workshops for families.
Kern Regional Center and the Bakersfield Native American Health Project hosted the symposium with the support of Language Access and Cultural Competency (LACC) funds.
This symposium’s foci on equity and on reducing barriers to services, are also important goals of the Master Plan for Developmental Services: A Community-Driven Vision. It also highlighted progress in the Department’s Early Start Outreach to Tribal Communities Initiative.
This Native American Heritage Month, we honor the leadership and partnership of Tribal communities and remain committed working alongside them.