SECTION 1.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Throughout our country’s history, Native Americans have played an important role in our culture and successes.
(b) In the State of California, a state rich with Native American culture and history, we are fortunate to have organizations involved in preserving Native American culture.
(c) Southern California tribal cultural affiliations along Route 210 include Cahuilla, Chumash, Gabrieleño/Tongva, Fernandeño/Tataviam, and Serrano.
(d) California’s highway and thoroughfare system dates back thousands of years before European contact because there were indigenous routes long before Europeans arrived.
(e) Before Europeans arrived, Native Americans had a long history of traveling and trading. These routes were critical trade routes that brought communities together.
(f) The Native American community has helped dramatically in the preservation of tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people.
(g) Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the land that now constitutes the United States.
(h) Native
Americans have made distinct and important
contributions to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art.
(i) Native Americans deserve to be recognized for their individual contributions to the United States as local and national leaders, artists, athletes, and scholars.