CC - Item 7B – Discussion Regarding Letter of Opposition of Assembly Bill 52 (Aguiar-Curry) Native American ResourcesROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BEN KIM, CITY MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 22, 2025
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING LETTER OF OPPOSITION OF ASSEMBLY
BILL 52 (AGUTAR-CURRY) NATIVE AMERICAN RESOURCES
SUMMARY
This item is presented to the City Council at the request of Mayor Margaret Clark to discuss the
opposition of Assembly Bill ("AB") 52 (Aguiar-Curry) Native American Resources. The proposed
amendments to AB 52 pose a direct threat to the sovereignty, cultural integrity, and participation
rights of non -federally recognized California Native American Tribes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council discuss and provide direction to City staff.
FISCAL IMPACT - None
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Prepared by: A�(�
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Amanda Moreno, Administrative Services Manager
Submitted by: _
B an Chua, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director
Attachment A: Draft AB 52 Letter of Opposition
AGENDA ITEM 7.11
Attachment A
Draft Letter AB 52 Letter of Opposition
MAYOR:
MARGARET CLARK
MAYOR PRO TEM:
SANDRA ARI WA
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
SEAN DANG
POLLYLOw
STEVEN Ly
April 22, 2025
City of 1 Psemead
8838 E. VALLEY BOULEVARD
ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA 91770
TELEPHONE (626) 569-2100
FAX (626) 569-2303
The Honorable Juan Alanis
California State Assembly - Natural Resources Committee
1020 N Street, Room 164
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Collective Opposition to Proposed Amendments to AB 52 – Threats to Tribal Sovereignty
and Cultural Resource Protection
Dear California Natural Resource Committee and Assemblymember Juan Alanis,
As California Native American Tribal Nations, organizations, and the City of Rosemead, we
collectively write to express our strong opposition to the proposed amendments to Assembly Bill 52
(AB 52). These amendments pose a direct threat to the sovereignty, cultural integrity, and participation
rights of non -federally recognized California Native American Tribes.
Undermining Consultation Rights of Non -Federally Recognized Tribes
The proposed revisions to AB 52 would redefine the term "California Native American tribe" to
prioritize only federally recognized tribes, effectively excluding non -federally recognized tribes from
meaningful consultation. This action would be deeply unjust and would erase the presence,
contributions, and cultural rights of numerous Tribal Nations with deep ancestral roots in California.
Non -federally recognized tribes have been historically excluded from federal recognition due to
structural inequities. Despite this, we continue to protect sacred lands, burial sites, and cultural
resources that define our identities and responsibilities. The proposed amendments betray the spirit of
AB 52, which was created in 2014 to ensure tribal voices are included in environmental decision-
making through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Furthermore, this effort undermines the directives of Executive Orders B-10-11 and N-15-19, both of
which affirm inclusive consultation with all California Native American tribes, regardless of federal
status. Exclusion from these processes is tantamount to erasure of our role as original caretakers of the
land.
In Conflict with International Standards and California's Equity Goals
The proposed amendments are in conflict with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which guarantees Indigenous Peoples the right to maintain their
cultural practices, govern their resources, and protect their lands. California is home to over 70 non -
federally recognized tribes—many of whom have lived on and stewarded their territories since time
immemorial.
To silence our communities by eliminating consultation rights is to strip away the voice of Indigenous
Peoples who have never stopped protecting and preserving their traditions and lands. This represents
a serious setback in California's ongoing efforts to address environmental justice, equity, and tribal
self-determination.
A Call for Respect and Inclusion
We do not need federally recognized tribes to manage our resources or speak on our behalf. We are
fully capable of governing ourselves, safeguarding our sacred places, and making decisions rooted in
the wisdom of our ancestors, as we have done for thousands of years.
We collectively urge you to oppose the proposed amendments to AB 52 and to uphold legislation that
honors the sovereignty, dignity, and voices of all California tribes. Recognizing only federally
recognized tribes undermines the inclusive spirit of AB 52 and marginalizes Tribal Nations who have
been carrying forward their identities and responsibilities without federal acknowledgment. We stand
together in defense of tribal sovereignty, cultural resource protection, and equitable representation in
environmental and governmental processes.
Thank you for your time and commitment to fair and inclusive policy. We welcome the opportunity
to discuss this matter further and provide testimony as needed.
Sincerely,
Margaret Clark
Mayor
City of Rosemead