Tribal Affairs

Tribal Affairs Banner

Welcome to the Water Boards' Tribal Affairs webpage

In partnership with the California Tribal Chairpersons Association and the Native American Heritage Commission, the State Water Board coordinates the Annual Native American Day Cultural Heritage Pavilion.

Applications to participate as a Cultural Practitioner or Tribal Cultural Department are now open! Applications close July 31, 2026.

Access the Application

Starting in 1939, Native American Day is considered a time-honored tradition in the California Native American community. This is an all-nations event where every tribe, tribal community, and member of the public is welcome.

This year we will be celebrating the 59th Annual Native American Day on Friday, September 25 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on the West Steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento. For more information email Tribal-Liaison@waterboards.ca.gov or visit californianativeamericanday.com.

Meaningful engagement with California Native American Tribe’s is central to the mission of the State Water Resource Control Board and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (collectively, the Water Boards). Collaboration and input from many Californians help the Water Boards advance policies that protect the environment, safeguard public health, and support beneficial uses of California’s water resources. Engagement with California Native American Tribes holds special value because of our shared responsibility to the people we serve and Tribes’ knowledge and experience stewarding California's water since time immemorial.

Over the past decade, the Water Boards and Tribes have built stronger relationships through government-to-government consultation, collaboration, and dialogue. Together, we have achieved important milestones, including the development of statewide Tribal Beneficial Uses for water quality, which acknowledged the importance of traditional knowledge and tribal priorities in water protection.

The Office of Public Engagement, Equity, and Tribal Affairs is dedicated to strengthening these partnerships by providing resources, guidance, and support that honor Tribal sovereignty, culture and community priorities. Through this commitment, the Water Boards strive to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration that respect Tribal voices and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all Californians.