California Democratic Party
Native American Caucus
Seeking to raise political and civic consciousness to Native American issues while preserving the cultural heritage of the state’s minority and indigenous populations.
GET TO KNOW US
Who We Are
The California Democratic Party’s Native American Caucus was formed to reach out and bring into the Democratic Party interested registered Democrats who support the goals and objectives of inclusion, political education, voter training, outreach, legislative tracking, research, and participation in the official Democratic Party for all people.
The Caucus was formed with particular focus on including the Native American communities of California in the furtherance of Democratic ideals, issues, and political participation.
MISSION IN ACTION
Our Goals
Enhance political and public awareness, education, involvement and civic responsibility among Native Americans.
Promote voter registration and outreach and encourage Native Americans to exercise their rights to vote and to run for public office.
Promote public awareness of the political status of tribal nations through media education.
Identify issues of concern to Native Americans and pursue solutions through the democratic process.
DISCOVER OUR PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Caucus Resources
Explore the Native American Caucus’ resource collection to discover leading California and national Native American organizations; read A Short Overview of California Indian History by Professor Edward Castillo, Professor of History, Sonoma State University; and learn more about the history and sovereignty of tribal governments and find information on topics such as Constitutional Law and Legal Precedent, Sovereignty as a Retained Right, Tribes and the Federal Government, and Cornerstones of Tribal Self-Government.
Organizations Collection
California Indian History
Tribal Sovereignty
Caucus Bylaws
– It shall be the policy of this caucus, in the execution of all endeavors, to contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party, to establish and maintain an inclusive Native American Indian presence in the party and to support the party candidates for Democratic leadership throughout the state and nation.
– We shall hold workshops and programs to educate and train interested Democrats to participate in voter training, outreach, political education, legislative tracking, research and how to participate in the Democratic Party.
Meet The Caucus
Mary Ann Andreas
CHAIR
A steadfast advocate for tribal sovereignty and self-reliance, Mary Ann Andreas has served nearly four decades on the Tribal Council for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, including several terms as the Chair and as Vice Chair.
Joely Proudfit
FIRST VICE-CHAIR
Dr. Joely Proudfit, Ph.D., a Luiseño/Payómkawichum and Tongva scholar, activist, and media maker, is a nationally respected leader in California Indian education, equity, and representation.
Erica Pinto
SECOND VICE-CHAIR
Erica M. Pinto currently serves as Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village of California, one of the 13 tribes of the Kumeyaay Nation who trace their roots back 12,000 years in San Diego County, California.
“There is always more to do – each day offers more opportunities to serve.”
Mary Ann Andreas
Caucus Chair ・ Morongo
THIS IS NATIVE LAND
California Tribes
Click on the links below to learn more about the geography of California’s tribal communities and their continued presence in our state today.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
State of California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC)
