California's New Native American Diplomacy

California Governor Jerry Brown will now have an official liason to improve relations with the Native American tribal governments of California.

The governor created a new position of Governor's Tribal Adviser through an Executive Order signed at the All California Tribes Meeting in Sacramento.

In a surprising move contrary to U.S. federal policy, Executive Order B-10-11 does not apply just to federally recognized tribes, but to ALL Native Americans in California.

The state tribal adviser will facilitate diplomatic relations with elected officials from California Indian tribal governments on matters of legislation, policy, regulation, elder health care, cultural safeguards and transportation.

The State of California will henceforth be committed to strengthening and sustaining effective intergovernmental relations between the state government and the tribal governments by identifying mutual concerns as well as developing partnerships and consensus.

Governor Jerry Brown emphasized that the adviser will NOT serve as of a gaming compact negotiator.

The Governor's Tribal Adviser will act as a liaison between tribes and the governor, facilitate communications between the tribes and state agencies, review legislation regarding impacts on tribes, and make recommendations to the governor.

The Office of the Governor will meet regularly with the elected officials of California Indian nations to discuss state policies that may affect tribal communities.

"It is the policy of this Administration that every state agency and department subject to my executive control shall encourage communication and consultation with California Indian Tribes," declared Governor Brown.

February 2012 Update: The Office of Governor Jerry Brown interviewed many candidates for the position of Governor's Tribal Adviser and selected Cynthia Gomez (D-Sacramento).