Job Announcement: Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) – Final Filing Date: 7/8/2025

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 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

Notice of Intention to amend the Conflict of Interest Code

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO AMEND THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Native American Heritage Commission pursuant to the authority vested in it by section 87306 of the Government Code, proposes amendment to its conflict of interest code. A comment period has been established commencing on July 11, 2025, and closing on August 25, 2025. All inquiries should be directed to the contact listed below.

The Native American Heritage Commission proposes to amend its conflict of interest code to include employee positions that involve the making or participation in the making of decisions that may foreseeably have a material effect on any financial interest, as set forth in subdivision (a) of section 87302 of the Government Code. The amendment carries out the purposes of the law and no other alternative would do so and be less burdensome to affected persons.

Changes to the conflict of interest code include: requiring Commissioners and the Executive Secretary to electronically file Form 700 with the FPPC; adding new positions that are required to file Form 700; clarifying the interests that must be disclosed; and also makes other technical changes.

Information on the code amendment is available on the NAHC’s website at the link below.

https://nahc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NAHC-COIC-StrikethroughACCFINAL.pdf

Any interested person may submit written comments relating to the proposed amendment by submitting them no later than August 25, 2025, or at the conclusion of the public hearing, if requested, whichever comes later. At this time, no public hearing is scheduled. A person may request a hearing no later than August 8, 2025.

The Commission has determined that the proposed amendments:

1. Impose no mandate on local agencies or school districts.
2. Impose no costs or savings on any state agency.
3. Impose no costs on any local agency or school district that are required to be reimbursed under Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
4. Will not result in any nondiscretionary costs or savings to local agencies.
5. Will not result in any costs or savings in federal funding to the state.
6. Will not have any potential cost impact on private persons, businesses, or small businesses.

All inquiries concerning this proposed amendment and any communication required by this notice should be directed to: Michelle Carr, Chief Counsel. 916.373.3718. michelle.carr@nahc.ca.gov

Public Special Meeting Notice and Agenda – May 9, 2025

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, May 9, 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/2025-05-09

Agenda items may be taken out of order.

AGENDA

10:00 AM – CALL TO ORDER – NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

  1. Welcome
  2. Roll Call
  3. Introduction of Commissioners and Staff
  4. Traditional Opening

ACTION

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes (Chairperson Pagaling)

a. January 17, 2025: Open Session
b. January 17, 2025: Closed Session
c. March 20, 2025, Special Meeting: Open Session
d. March 20, 2025, Special Meeting: Closed Session

2. Calendar Dates and Locations for 2025-26 Commission Meetings (Steven Quinn, Acting Executive Secretary)

a. Friday, July 18, 2025 – Sacramento
b. Friday, October 17, 2025 – Sacramento
c. Friday, January 16, 2026 – Sacramento
d. Friday, April 17, 2026 – Sacramento

3. Rescind October 20, 2023, Cemetery Designation – City of Corona Water Reclamation Facility #3 Lift Station Project per Peremptory Writ of Mandate issued in City of Corona v. NAHC CV-RI-24-00445 (Michelle Carr, Chief Counsel)

4. CSU Systemwide/Campus Repatriation and Oversight Committee Nominations
(Mario Pallari, Attorney)

CSU Fullerton

a. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Ryan Martin, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Fullerton
b. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Edward J. Knell, CSU Representative, CSU Fullerton

CSU Pomona

c. Commissioners to consider the nomination of John Preckwinkle, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU Pomona

CSU San Bernadino

d. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Mary Ann Andreas, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU San Bernadino
e. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Robert Levi, Federally Recognized Tribal Representative, CSU San Bernadino
f. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Beyaja Notah, CSU Representative, CSU San Bernadino

CSU San Diego

g. Commissioners to consider the nomination of, Raini Tesam-Reading, CSU Representative, CSU San Diego

5. 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)

6. UC Campus Repatriation and Oversight Committee Nominations (Mario Pallari, Attorney)

UC Davis

a. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Andres Resendez, UC Representative, UC Davis

11:00 AM – PUBLIC HEARING – CalNAGPRA Mediation and Dispute Resolution Draft Regulations
Proposed addition of sections 31001 – 31015, to Title 14, California Code of Regulations
 
7. Draft CalNAGPRA Enforcement Regulations (Michelle Carr, Chief Counsel) Overview

a. Commissioners to consider adopting draft CalNAGPRA Enforcement Regulations
b. Commissioners to consider sending draft CalNAGPRA Enforcement Regulations out to the tribal community for a 90-day comment and consultation period

8. Draft Contact List Regulations (Michelle Carr, Chief Counsel)

a. Status of draft Contact List Regulations
b. Commissioners to consider the duration of the authorized second round tribal comment and consultation period

9. Review Most Likely Descendant Determination – City of Corona Water Reclamation Facility #3 Lift Station Project (Chairperson Pagaling)

a. Most Likely Descendants’ Presentations
b. Tribal Comment
c. Overview of Most Likely Descendant determination (Michelle Carr, Chief Counsel)

INFORMATIONAL

10. California Truth and Healing Council Update (Commissioner Bojorquez)

11. Draft 5-Year Strategic Plan Update (Chairperson Pagaling, Commissioner Calac & Steven Quinn, Acting Executive Secretary)

12. Executive Secretary Report (Steven Quinn, Acting Executive Secretary)

13. Commissioner Reports

PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes for each speaker, unless otherwise determined by the Commission.

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

May 9, 2025 – Special Meeting

The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) is holding a special meeting on Friday, May 9, 2025. The meeting will take place at the East End Complex at 1500 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95814. Upon finalization, the agenda for this meeting will be available on the NAHC’s homepage.

For more information, please feel free to contact us at nahc@nahc.ca.gov or call (916) 373-3710.

April 25, 2025 – Public Meeting Canceled

April 25, 2025 – Public Meeting Canceled

Due to the inability to achieve a quorum, the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) public meeting scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025 in Winterhaven, CA is canceled. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at nahc@nahc.ca.gov or call (916) 373-3710.

Public Special Meeting Notice and Agenda – March 20, 2025

PUBLIC SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA

CALIFORNIA NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION
Office Phone (916) 373-3710
Email: nahc@nahc.ca.gov

 Location:
California Natural Resources Agency
715 P Street
Room: 2-201, Media Room
Sacramento, CA 95814

Thursday, March 20, 2025
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

This meeting will be conducted via teleconference with remote attendance. Commissioners in excess of a quorum may participate remotely.

To attend by telephone dial:
+1 (916) 573-2034
Enter the meeting ID: 551 701 245 #

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.

Agenda items may be taken out of order.

AGENDA

2:30PM — CALL TO ORDER — NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION 

  1. Welcome
  2. Roll Call
  3. Introduction of Commissioners and Staff
  4. Traditional Opening

CLOSED SESSION

Pending litigation: City of Corona v. Native American Heritage Commission, Superior Court of Riverside County, Case No. CV-RI-24-00445 (Government Code, § 11126(e)(1), (2)(A))

ACTION

1. Discussion and possible action in the matter of City of Corona v. Native American Heritage Commission, Superior Court of Riverside County, Case No. CV-RI-24-00445.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes for each speaker, unless otherwise determined by the Commission.

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.

* 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

Public Meeting Notice and Agenda – January 17, 2025

PUBLIC 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, January 17, 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 http://www.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/2025-01-17

Agenda items may be taken out of order.

AGENDA

10:00 AM — CALL TO ORDER — NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION 

  1. Welcome
  2. Roll Call
  3. Introduction of Commissioners and Staff
  4. Traditional Opening

ACTION

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes, (Chairperson Pagaling)

a. October 18, 2024, Open Session
b. October 18, 2024, Closed Session

2. Draft CalNAGPRA Mediation and Dispute Resolution Regulations (Chairperson Pagaling and Secretary Dutschke, Mediation Subcommittee; Michelle Carr, Chief Counsel)

a. Status of draft CalNAGPRA mediation and dispute resolution regulations promulgated under Health and Safety Code section 8016

i.   Summary of tribal comments and responses
ii.  Memorandum – revisions to draft mediation regulations
iii. Revised draft mediation regulations
iv. Red-line comparison of current draft to October 18, 2024, draft

b. Commission to consider adopting updated draft CalNAGPRA mediation and dispute resolution regulations

c. Commission to consider authorizing staff to file the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Action with the Office of Administrative Law to begin the formal rulemaking process

          i.   Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Action

3. Calendar Dates and Locations for FY 2024-25 Commission Meetings (Steven Quinn, Acting Executive Secretary)

a. Friday, April 18, 2025 – Location TBD
b. Friday, July 18, 2025 – Location TBD

4. 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. CSU Draft Systemwide Policy/NAHC Comments (Mario Pallari, Attorney)

6. CSU Systemwide/Campus Repatriation and Oversight Committee Nominations (Mario Pallari, Attorney)

CSU Fullerton

a. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Alexandro Gradilla, CSU Representative, CSU Fullerton

CSU Northridge

b. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Mark Villasenor, Non-Federally Recognized Representative, CSU Northridge
c. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Kalani Heinz, CSU Native American Studies Representative, CSU Northridge

CSU Fresno State

d. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Felix Christman, Federally Recognized Representative, CSU Fresno State
e. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Ted Atkins, Federally Recognized Representative, CSU Fresno State

CSU Channel Islands

f. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Nakia Zavalla, Federally Recognized Representative, CSU Channel Islands

7. UC Systemwide/Campus Repatriation and Oversight Committee Nominations (Mario Pallari, Attorney)

UC Davis

a. Commissioners to consider the nomination of Flaman McCloud, Federally Recognized Representative, UC Davis

CLOSED SESSION

8. Pending litigation: City of Corona v. Native American Heritage Commission, Superior Court of Riverside County, Case No. CV-RI-24-00445 (Government Code, § 11126(e)(1), (2)(A))

INFORMATIONAL

9. Executive Secretary Report, (Steven Quinn, Acting Executive Secretary)

10. Commissioner Reports

PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes for each speaker, unless otherwise determined by the Commission.

Please email any public comments to nahc@nahc.ca.gov by 4:00PM Tuesday, January 14, 2025.  Comments received after this time will not be accepted. All submissions should include “Public Comment” in the subject line, your name, who you represent, and the subject you wish to address. Written comments will be acknowledged and read into the record.

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: www.nahc.ca.gov.

Workshop Notice: Most Likely Descendant Determination Process

The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) will be hosting an in-person workshop to review the current process for making a Most Likely Descendant (MLD) determination under Public Resources Code 5097.98.

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location:
East End Complex Auditorium
1500 Capitol Ave
Sacramento, CA 95814

Commissioners and NAHC staff to review the current process for making a Most Likely Descendant (MLD) determination under public resources code 5097.98.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comment will be taken at the end of the workshop and is limited to 3 minutes for each speaker, unless otherwise determined by the Commission.

Supporting documents for this workshop will be provided at the event and may also be accessed at http://www.nahc.ca.gov (Internal MLD Designation Procedures) or by written request to nahc@nahc.ca.gov. Confidential materials exempt.

* 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: http://www.nahc.ca.gov.

NAHC January 17, 2025, Commission Meeting – Location Change

The location of the Native American Heritage Commission’s (NAHC) upcoming Commission meeting scheduled for Friday, January 17, 2025, has been changed to Sacramento, California. The meeting will be held at the East End Complex Auditorium located at 1500 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814.  Additional information will be provided on the NAHC’s homepage upon the posting of the agenda.

For more information, please feel free to contact us at nahc@nahc.ca.gov.

Executive Secretary Hitchcock’s Farewell Message

Farewell Native American Heritage Commission

Former NAHC Secretary, Raymond Hitchcock

It has been an absolute honor to have served the Native American Heritage Commission as the Executive Secretary for the past 2 ½ years. To be appointed by Governor Newsom to lead the Commission has been a true highlight of my professional career, so it is with sadness I will be stepping down this Friday, October 18th, after the conclusion of our Quarterly NAHC Public Meeting. I have been graciously considered and appointed to be the first full time Vice-President of the Wilton Rancheria Gaming Authority. Working for my Tribe has always been a passion and to be able to have a direct effect on our economic development, the betterment of our people, and our community, made this difficult choice a little bit easier. Serving the Commission, being a voice to help protect our Ancestors, or to help facilitate their return through NAGPRA & CalNAGPRA, is a purpose worth fighting for. I am truly blessed to have worked with such a diverse and committed Commission body led by Chairman Reggie Pagaling, and all my amazing staff members who do the heavy lifting day to day to continue our vision and mission to be voices for our Ancestors. I am leaving knowing we are heading in a positive direction and will be in good hands. Deputy Secretary Steven Quinn will take the lead as the Acting Executive Secretary in the interim. His dedication to the NAHC over the past several years, his true understanding of this state agency, the work we do, our goals and objectives, and his caring and kind demeanor is an asset I have relied upon and will carry us into the future. All the best to each and every one of you!

 

Kuchi Heima! (Many Blessings, Miwok)

Raymond “Chuckie” Hitchcock