A statue honoring California’s Native American communities was unveiled on the grounds of the State Capitol Building this week.
The California Native American Monument takes the space previously held by the statue of Father Junípero Serra, a controversial figure responsible for establishing eight of California’s 21 Spanish missions. That statue was removed by protesters on July 4, 2020, along with similar statues in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The following year, California’s first Native state legislator, Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino), penned a bill that allowed Sacramento’s Native communities and the state’s Department of General Services to plan and construct a new monument that honored our region’s Indigenous peoples.
The statue takes its likeness from Miwok elder William J. Franklin, known for his work in preserving Miwok culture.
