Under the general direction of the NAHC Executive Secretary, the Staff Services Manager I (SSM I) will oversee all related aspects of the Environmental and Cultural Division (ECD). The SSM I will provide advice and analysis on topics relating to the ECD. The SSM I will support the NAHC as the main point of contact for intradepartmental projects impacting the ECD. The SSM I will be responsible for maintenance of the Native American Land Information System (NALIS) by obtaining and analyzing information provided by California Indian tribes and public agencies. The SSM I will ensure ECD staff fulfills the necessary statutory responsibilities under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The SSM I is assigned to direct and supervise ECD staff on the essential day-to-day programs, including but not limited to, the NAHC Sacred Lands File Inventory (SLF), NAHC Contact List, Most Likely Descendant (MLD) determinations, and the NALIS database.
To view the full job posting and application instructions, please visit: JC-497529 STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I
The Native American Heritage Commission will be conducting two additional in-person listening sessions. Details regarding these in-person listening sessions can be found in this attachment.
The Native American Heritage Commission will be conducting its first in-person listening session on November 6, 2025. Details regarding this in-person listening session can be found in this attachment.
The Native American Heritage Commission will be conducting two virtual listening sessions regarding the revised draft contact list regulations. Details regarding these virtual listening sessions can be found in this attachment.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Andrew “Dru” Alejandre, of Corning, as Executive Secretary of the California Native American Heritage Commission. Alejandre has been Tribal Liaison at Emic Health Services since 2024 and Co-Founder and Vice President of the Tribal Leadership Council since 2024. He was the Chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians from 2016 to 2025, and Council Secretary from 2014 to 2016. Alejandre is the Board Chair of Tepa Companies and the Tribal Leadership Council Foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Sacramento.
Under the supervision of the Chief Counsel, the Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) supports the legal department in enacting and conducting regulatory activities related to the protection and repatriation of tribal cultural resources. The incumbent prepares rule-making records for the adoption of regulations, policy analyses, and completes various analytical and research assignments of interest to the NAHC. The AGPA performs duties to support the implementation of, and adoption of NAHC regulations, prepares analytical documents for CalNAGPRA administrative mediation proceedings, and monitors compliance with CalNAGPRA.
This position is eligible for telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
To view the full job posting and application instructions, please visit: JC-494942
PUBLIC SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA
CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Office Phone (916) 373-3710
Email: nahc@nahc.ca.gov
Location:
Paradise Event Center
450 Quechan Drive
Winterhaven, CA 92283
Friday, October 10, 2025
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Notices, agendas, and supporting documents for Native American Heritage Commission Meetings and public hearings will be provided at the event and may also be accessed at https://nahc.ca.gov or by written request to nahc@nahc.ca.gov. Confidential materials exempt.
Live video streaming and archived video of this Commission Meeting may be accessed at
https://videobookcase.org/nahc/2025-10-10/
Agenda items may be taken out of order.
AGENDA
10:00 AM – CALL TO ORDER – NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
- Welcome
- Roll Call
- Introduction of Commissioners and Staff
- Traditional Opening
ACTION
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Chairperson Pagaling)
a) August 1, 2025, Special Meeting: Open Session
2. CSU Systemwide/Campus Repatriation and Oversight Committee Nominations (Mario Pallari, Staff Counsel)
CSU Bakersfield
a) Commission to consider the nomination of Larea Lewis, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Bakersfield
CSU Los Angeles
b) Commission to consider the nomination of Carolyn Dunn, CSU Representative, CSU Los Angeles
c) Commission to consider the nomination of Tarisi Vunidilo, CSU Native American Studies Representative, Cal State Los Angeles
CSU Fresno
d) Commission to consider the nomination of Robert Gomez, Non-Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Fresno
Cal Poly Humboldt
e) Commission to consider the nomination of Lonyx Landry, Non-Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, Cal Poly Humboldt
CSU Systemwide
f) Commission to consider the nomination of Cutcha Risling Baldy, CSU Native American Studies Representative, CSU Systemwide
3. California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office updates regarding AB 389 compliance, including Systemwide Policy Development (Samantha Cypret, Executive Director, Office of Tribal Relations, Office of the Chancellor, California State University)
4. Interim CSU Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Policy – Commission to consider recommending that the Policy be finalized
5. Draft CalNAGPRA Enforcement Regulations (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
a) Status of draft CalNAGPRA Enforcement Regulations
i. Summary of tribal comments and responses
ii. Memorandum – revisions to draft enforcement regulations
iii. Revised draft enforcement regulations
iv. Red-line comparison of current draft to May 9, 2025, draft
b) Commission to consider sending revised draft CalNAGPRA Enforcement Regulations out to the tribal community for a 30-day comment and consultation period
6. 50th Anniversary (Bennae Calac, Sara Dutschke, Commissioners, and Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
11:00 AM – CLOSED SESSION
Pending Litigation: California Indian Nation v. Native American Heritage Commission, Superior Court of Sacramento County, Case No. 25-WM-000157 (Government Code, § 11126(e)(1), (2)(A))
INFORMATIONAL
7. CalNAGPRA Mediation and Dispute Resolution Regulations Update (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
8. Contact List Regulations Update (Mario Pallari, Staff Counsel)
9. Executive Secretary Report (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
10. Commissioner Reports
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes for each speaker.
The public may comment on any item on the agenda before action is taken on the item.
4:00 PM – ADJOURNMENT – At the end of public comment or 4:00 pm, whichever is first.
* Any person who has a disability and requires accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the Native American Heritage Commission at (916) 373-3710 or via email at nahc@nahc.ca.gov no later than five days prior to the meeting. Our website address is: https://nahc.ca.gov.
The Native American Heritage Commission’s (NAHC) upcoming Commission meeting originally scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025, has been rescheduled to Friday, October 10, 2025. The address and facility information will be provided on the NAHC’s homepage upon the finalization of the agenda.
For more information, please feel free to contact us at nahc@nahc.ca.gov.
The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and the California State University (CSU) will be hosting an in-person workshop to review and discuss comments received during tribal consultation on the Interim Systemwide NAGPRA Policy.
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location:
621 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, CA 95814
The CSU has issued their Interim Systemwide NAGPRA Policy. At the recommendation of the NAHC, the policy was adopted in interim status to allow for further Tribal consultation. At this workshop Commissioners and NAHC and CSU staff will discuss and review critical sections of the policy.
The CSU Interim Systemwide NAGPRA Policy is available on the CSU website.
To ensure smooth building access the day of the workshop, please RSVP to NAHC@NAHC.ca.gov. Individuals who did not RSVP will still be welcome but will be required to register through security.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be taken at the end of the workshop and is limited to 3 minutes for each speaker.
* Any person who has a disability and requires accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the Native American Heritage Commission at (916) 373-3710 or via email at nahc@nahc.ca.gov no later than five days prior to the meeting. Our website address is: https://nahc.ca.gov.
Under the general direction of the Chief Counsel, the Staff Services Manager I (SSM I) – Specialist will assist the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) Legal Department in the management of highly confidential and complex matters, including investigations and cases under the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA) Assembly Bill 275 (AB 275), NAHC enforcement matters, Senate Bill 18 (SB 18), and Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52). The SSMI – Specialist will also assist in processing complaints, requests for assistance, or disputes that arise under those laws and exercise substantial authority over the NAHC’s response to Public Records Act (PRA) requests. The SSMI – Specialist, must exercise good judgment with all interactions with the public with minimal supervision by the Chief Counsel with oversight and authority to determine which complaints and charges will be investigated further by the Legal Department.
To view the full job posting and application instructions, please visit: JC-482537 STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I
Under the direction of the Chief Counsel, the incumbent will provide assistance in rule making management for the adoption of regulations for laws enforced by the Commission, including summarizing comments by stakeholders, and the drafting of internal policies and procedures regarding enforcement and investigations under laws enforced by the Commission. The incumbent may also provide as needed, tracking of compliance with the California Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA) Assembly Bill 275 (AB) and provides assistance to tribes, state and local agencies, museums, and higher educational institutions in their compliance efforts with the CalNAGPRA, federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and 25 U.S. Code section 3000. Additionally, the incumbent assists the Chief Counsel in the investigation of all Native American cultural resources’ protection and access laws under the NAHC’s authority and for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Senate Bill 18 (SB) matters involving the protection of or access to Native American cultural resources.
This position is eligible for telework, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
PUBLIC SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA
CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Office Phone (916) 373-3710
Email: nahc@nahc.ca.gov
Location:
East End Complex
1500 Capitol Ave
Room: Auditorium
Sacramento, CA 95814
Friday, August 1, 2025
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Notices, agendas, and supporting documents for Native American Heritage Commission Meetings and public hearings will be provided at the event and may also be accessed at https://nahc.ca.gov/ or by written request to nahc@nahc.ca.gov. Confidential materials exempt.
Live video streaming and archived video of this Commission meeting may be accessed at
https://videobookcase.org/nahc/2025-08-01/
Agenda items may be taken out of order.
AGENDA
10:00 AM – CALL TO ORDER – NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
- Welcome
- Roll Call
- Introduction of Commissioners and Staff
- Traditional Opening – United Auburn Indian Community
ACTION
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Chairperson Pagaling)
a) May 9, 2025, Special Meeting: Open Session
2. Executive Elections (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
a) Chairperson
b) Vice Chairperson
c) Secretary
3. CSU Systemwide/Campus Repatriation and Oversight Committee Nominations (Mario Pallari, Staff Counsel)
CSU Bakersfield
a) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Curtis Alcantar, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Bakersfield
CSU East Bay
b) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Samuel Thunder Rodriguez, Non- Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU East Bay
CSU Fresno
c) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Leece Lee-Oliver, CSU Representative, CSU Fresno
CSU San Jose
d) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Kerri J. Malloy, CSU Native American Studies Representative, CSU San Jose
CSU San Jose
e) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Katherine Napoli, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU San Jose
CSU Systemwide
f) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Jereme Dutschke, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Systemwide
CSU Systemwide
g) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Moraino Patencio, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Systemwide
CSU Systemwide
h) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Joyce Stanfield Perry, Non-Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Systemwide
CSU Systemwide
i) Commissioners to consider the nomination of Annette Reed, CSU Native American Studies Representative, CSU Systemwide
4. California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office updates regarding AB 389 compliance, including Systemwide Policy Development (Samantha Cypret, Executive Director, Office of Tribal Relations, Office of the Chancellor, California State University)
5. Adoption of CalNAGPRA Mediation and Dispute Resolution Regulations (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
6. 50th Anniversary Planning Committee (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
7. Public Hearing and Consideration of Suspension of Most Likely Descendant Designation for the Illegal Removal of Human Remains by the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation 84A (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
INFORMATIONAL
8. CSU Interim Systemwide NAGPRA Policy Workshop (Mario Pallari, Staff Counsel)
9. CalNAGPRA Enforcement Regulations Update (Mario Pallari, Staff Counsel)
10. Contact List Regulations Update (Mario Pallari, Staff Counsel)
11. Executive Secretary Report (Michelle Carr, Acting Executive Secretary)
12. Commissioner Reports
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes for each speaker.
The public may comment on any item on the agenda before action is taken on the item.
4:00 PM – ADJOURNMENT – At the end of public comment or 4:00 pm, whichever is first.
*Any person who has a disability and requires accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the Native American Heritage Commission at (916) 373-3710 or via email at nahc@nahc.ca.gov no later than five days prior to the meeting. Our website address is: https://nahc.ca.gov/
