Partnering with California Tribal Nations

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is committed to strengthening partnerships with California Native American Tribes and communities to ensure equitable access to services for Native American and Alaska Native individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Aligned with the DDS Master Plan for Developmental Services, the CalHHS Tribal Consultation Policy, and state and federal trust responsibilities, DDS is working to build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, respect, and collaboration.

Our Commitment

DDS recognizes CA Native American Tribes as sovereign governments and the importance of honoring Tribal input on program and policy decisions that impact Native American communities.

Our tribal engagement efforts focus on:

  • Building consultation and partnership pathways with California Native American tribal governments in addition to Native American led organizations.
  • Providing culturally and linguistically responsive services through Language Access and Cultural Competency Program (LACC) program support
  • Expanding early identification and intervention for Native American infants and toddlers through the Early Start Tribal Outreach Initiative
  • Creating space for dialogue and co-learning between the developmental services system and California Native American communities
Our work is grounded in California’s formal tribal consultation framework. Executive Orders EO B-10-11 and Governor Newsom’s EO N-15-19 set statewide expectations for government to government engagement, including a formal apology to Native American Tribes. AB 923 further defines how agencies must engage with tribes.
Early Start Tribal Outreach

A statewide partnership between DDS and Acorns to Oak Trees, this initiative focuses on expanding culturally appropriate outreach to Tribal communities and supporting early intervention for Native American infants and toddlers.

The Symposium brings together Tribal leaders, Regional Centers, DDS representatives and community organizations to strengthen understanding, share promising practices, and build lasting partnerships.

The 4th Annual Symposium (October 22–23, 2025, in Bakersfield) was supported by DDS LACC funding and co-hosted by DDS, Kern Regional Center, and the Bakersfield Native American Health Project.

For information and updates on future events please visit: https://www.dds.ca.gov/category/newsletter/

Honoring Native American Heritage Month and Native American Californians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

DDS partners with Regional Centers across the state to build culturally responsive outreach and service pathways for Native American individuals and families. Projects have included data improvement, family education, and tribal engagement pilots in collaboration with Inland, San Diego, Far Northern, and Kern Regional Centers.

For questions or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact:

DDS Tribal Liaison
Email: jordan.martinson@dds.ca.gov

Stay Connected

Sign up for the Bridges Newsletter or follow DDS updates to learn more about upcoming Tribal engagement opportunities and community events.


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Last modified: March 3, 2026