Category: indigenous

Monday Morning: (September 28, 2025): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend

**By Native News Online Staff
September 29, 2025**

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### Walks On at 66: Ernie Stevens, Jr.

Ernie Stevens, Jr., a tribal citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and the longtime chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 26, 2025. He was 66 years old.

Jason Giles, executive director of the Indian Gaming Association, released a short statement on Friday evening:

> “Our Indian Gaming Association board and staff are stunned and saddened by Chairman Stevens’ passing. Out of respect for his wife Cheryl, his lovely family, and the Oneida Nation, we will issue a full tribute at the appropriate time. Please send your prayers to the Stevens family.”

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### Tributes for Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr.

Chairman Stevens was recently reelected to his 13th term at the organization’s annual convention held in San Diego in April 2025. In honor of his remarkable leadership and dedication, we are publishing several tributes shared by community leaders and colleagues.

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### Deb Haaland Highlights Tribal Cultural Expression and Ancestral Repatriation

Deb Haaland, the first and only California Native American elected to the Legislature since statehood, addressed important issues including tribal cultural expression, ancestral repatriation, and intertribal support in her recent remarks.

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### NCAI Statement: “Wounded Knee Was Not a Battle”

On Friday, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) issued a powerful statement declaring that the Wounded Knee event was not a battle but the deliberate mass killing of 350 Lakota. The statement reinforces the significance of remembering this tragic chapter in Native history.

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### Additional Native News Updates

– **D.C. Briefs:** Updates on U.S. Presidents in their own words concerning American Indians.
– **Oral History Project:** Announces its 14th stop in Portland, Oregon, as the Native American Broadcasting Service (NABS) continues to gather crucial stories from across Indian Country.
– **Native News Weekly (September 28, 2025):** More briefs and news from Washington, D.C.

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For continued coverage of Native American news and perspectives, stay connected with Native News Online.
https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/monday-morning-september-28-2025-articles-you-may-have-missed-this-past-weekend

California bill would provide support services to Native American families, reduce foster care

**California Legislature Passes Bipartisan Bill to Support Native American Families and Prevent Foster Care Placements**

SACRAMENTO — A bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring Native American children and families receive culturally appropriate support services to prevent foster care placements passed the California Legislature last week. If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Bill 1378 (AB 1378) would amend state law to allow tribes and tribal organizations to partner directly with the California Department of Social Services, providing services designed to keep children safely at home and out of foster care.

Currently, while tribes and tribal organizations can access foster care, adoption, and guardianship services, most preventive services—such as legal assistance and family counseling—are only available through nontribal organizations. These organizations often lack the cultural competence necessary to respect each tribe’s unique practices and sovereignty.

AB 1378 seeks to change that by granting tribes and tribal organizations the ability to receive direct services and funding without going through an intermediary. The legislation comes in response to the disproportionate rates at which tribal children enter foster care.

“Native American children in California are placed in foster care at about four times the rate of other children,” said Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa), the bill’s author. Multiple factors contribute to this overrepresentation, including poverty, substance use disorders, historical trauma, systemic bias, and bureaucratic hurdles that make it difficult for tribes to access preventive services.

“When we invest in culturally appropriate services, we strengthen families and avoid the trauma of separation,” Rogers added. “AB 1378 will ensure tribes can directly access the same prevention program funding that is available to counties and other service providers. This is a critical step toward equity and better outcomes for tribal youth.”

The bill was co-authored by several legislators, including Bay Area Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Patrick Ahern (D-Sunnyvale), as well as Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park).

**Expanded Services for Tribal Families**

AB 1378 would improve tribal access to a range of services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and parenting education. It would also provide funding for legal representation, ensuring that families and children receive appropriate counsel in court.

In addition, tribes could receive capacity-building support to establish prevention programs, train social workers, and obtain technical assistance for data collection and reporting.

Gov. Newsom has until October 13 to sign AB 1378 into law.

*This story was originally published by The Mendocino Voice and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.*
https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2025/09/18/california-bill-native-american-support-services/

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