Source: KXTV-TV Sacramento
"I know that I learned virtually nothing about our tribal history or about the present as I grew up in this state," Rivas said. "And the result (of Native history not being taught in classrooms) is that bigotry, stereotypes and most of all, a lack of knowledge, colors many Californians' perception of our Native peoples today. And the only cure for ignorance is education."
On the steps of the California State Capitol, the state’s first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature stood with colleagues urging for a change in the way Native American history is taught in school districts statewide.
"This is just the beginning of a long process, and we're not going to sit back and take no for an answer," Assemblymember James Ramos said. "We're going to keep moving pieces of legislation with strong support with strong allies till we get the curriculum changed for factual information."