Much of the day highlighted Native People’s perspectives to the legislature–many participants and organizers from across California spoke to the importance of healthy rivers to California Tribes and their ways of life. There was also a rally held at the Capitol steps, where Native people shared their dances and songs, and the public had the opportunity to hear from those who shared their experiences.
The theme of the day was community: communities advocating for themselves, communities coming together for each other, and new communities forming to fight for a better future for fish, water, and people. CalTrout was incredibly appreciative to the coalition of groups wanting to support and feature our co-sponsored bill, AB 460, in their advocacy for that day. We were also honored to work with numerous other organizations and Tribes to support more equitable water rights enforcement in California and create meaningful advocacy for our work in this legislative cycle.
“For many people, democracy is something that happens way off in DC or Sacramento or maybe once every couple of years when they vote,” said CalTrout Lost Coast Project Manager Charlie Schneider. “But in reality, it happens almost every day and events like this are a great way to engage with decision makers on issues important to them. It was moving to be able to lead a diverse group from the North Coast to legislative offices and help them have their voices heard.”