Tribal Affairs

California’s North Coast is rich with indigenous diversity. In fact, there are more than 25 federally recognized tribes in California’s 2nd District- more than any other single congressional district outside of the state of Alaska. Throughout my time in Congress, I have proudly worked with tribes to address the various issues affecting their communities from missing and murdered indigenous people to critical infrastructure.    

These Tribes include: 

Living up to the promises the United States has made to Native Americans may not be easy, but it is necessary. I am working with my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee to help improve tribal access to health care, justice, housing, education, and sustainable economic growth.  

Many tribes still retain fishery and water rights, including on some of California’s most productive salmon strongholds. It is imperative that we continue to honor our trust responsibilities to Native American Tribes and work together to make sure that our rivers, streams, and native fish populations remain healthy for future generations.     

Since my first term, I have been passionately fighting for removing four dilapidated dams on the Klamath River that have wreaked havoc for decades – harming tribes, commercial and sport fishermen, the health of the environment, and the economies of California and Oregon. This is finally happening! This is going to be the largest river restoration in American history. I am immensely proud to have been an active partner in these efforts, working alongside steadfast advocates to right this wrong and restore balance to the river.   

To close out the 117th Congress, my bill with Senator Padilla to return sacred ground to the Karuk Tribe became law. The Katimiîn and Ameekyáaraam Sacred Lands Act will place federal lands located in Humboldt and Siskiyou counties in California into trust for the Karuk Tribe, rectifying a historic injustice.