In a recent joint hearing held by the California State Assembly's Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs, a significant focus was placed on ensuring that Native American voices are integral to policy-making processes, rather than being an afterthought. This discussion highlighted the need for active participation from Native communities in shaping governance structures at both the statewide and campus levels.

A key point raised during the meeting emphasized the importance of Native American representation in governance committees. It was noted that the current interim policies lack a formalized governance structure that includes tribal communities as equal partners. This absence has hindered progress in finalizing policies that directly affect Native populations. The speakers stressed that Native American perspectives are crucial in understanding the sensitivities surrounding these issues, particularly in the context of ongoing audits of California State Universities.

The conversation also pointed to the establishment of governance committees aimed at enhancing Native American involvement in policy development. However, it was acknowledged that while some campuses have made strides in this area, there is still much work to be done to ensure that Native voices are included from the outset of policy drafting. The urgency of this inclusion was underscored, as failure to do so could prolong the policy development process, which has already faced decades of delays.

As the committees prepare to revisit these policies in December, there is a clear call for a balanced representation of Native Americans on all relevant committees. The hope is that by integrating Native perspectives early in the process, the resulting policies will be more effective and reflective of the needs and values of California's Indigenous communities. This meeting marks a pivotal step towards fostering a more inclusive approach to governance that honors the voices of Native Americans in California.