In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the National Association of Social Workers’ Native American Council (NASW-NAC) would like to recognize all Tribal Nations in the U.S., First Nations in Canada, and those from the North to the South. Currently, there are 567 federally recognized Tribal Nations in the U.S.; however, this does not disregard the unfederally recognized Tribal Nations that continue to strive. Indian Country is vast and beautiful, and we see generations of our people carrying on our traditions, heritage, culture, and language. We are still here! Native American people today conduct themselves honorably, connected to the earth, recognizing that we all originated from this very land. While we honor and remember our past, we look forward with hope, resilience, beauty, and strength. We safeguard our youth, the future leaders of this great nation. We honor our rights as Native people to this land, as previous to the 1978 Indian Religious Freedom Act, we were persecuted, imprisoned, or murdered for practicing our Indian ways. Per the NASW Code of Ethics 1.05, Cultural Competence is vital in serving and demonstrating understanding of culture and its function in human behavior and society, recognizing the strengths that exist in all cultures.
Though many of our nations face significant disparities stemming from historical trauma and modern-day colonization—reflected in the disturbing rates at which our women and girls go missing or are murdered—we unite as one. We are growing, educating ourselves, and drawing upon our oldest methods of healing, such as ceremonies, language, and heritage, to confront and overcome these formidable challenges. As we honor and embrace our rich culture, it is vital to acknowledge the beauty that lies within our people. We carry forward our ancient languages and traditions through the grace of dance and the power of ceremony, embodying humility, care, and compassion. We remain deeply connected to our Mother Earth, which nourishes us. If you are a guest on this land and wish to honor Native American Heritage Month, I encourage you to reach out to an Indigenous person. Take the time to ask about their origins, about their people, and see if you can connect with an elder who can share invaluable insights through storytelling and advocacy. Learning about the original caretakers of the land you live on is a meaningful step toward becoming a steadfast ally.
The NASW NAC honors the past, present, and future of all Indigenous Nations. During Native American Heritage Month, we will provide educational resources through podcasts, videos, and books addressing important topics such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls epidemic, the Boarding Era/CA Mission system, and resources to help individuals learn about the land they occupy. We will also include information on Native American veterans’ resources, Indigenous modalities for healing substance use disorders, suicide prevention, and evidence-based practices for Indigenous communities. Additionally, we will provide local listings for connection opportunities, Talking Circles, and educational resources in Northern and Southern California for those interested in collaborating to serve Indigenous Peoples. We deeply appreciate the NASW for its unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and grassroots movements carrying on Indigenous empowerment throughout California, as we continue the critical work of healing for all Indigenous Nations. Aise-tsaant—thank you! Ose!
This website offers a diverse array of resources, including engaging podcasts, thought-provoking videos, insightful books, and comprehensive lists of organizations situated throughout Southern and Northern California. These carefully curated resources aim to enhance your understanding and support of Indigenous Nations within your region, fostering an environment of education and meaningful contribution. We consider it a profound privilege to share this valuable knowledge, which encourages deep engagement and respectful allyship with these vibrant communities. Thank you for your commitment to nurturing awareness and building strong, supportive relationships.
- Indigenous nonprofit organizations and health centers in Northern and Southern California provide essential support.
- Programs dedicated to Indigenous education, including scholarships, help students pursue higher education.
- Initiatives focusing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) raise awareness of critical issues.
- Vital suicide prevention resources are available alongside programs addressing alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention.
- Treatment centers specifically designed for Indigenous populations offer support for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) challenges.
- Opportunities for cultural engagement, such as talking circles, dance circles, Bird Song/dance ceremonies, and powwows, celebrate Indigenous heritage.
- The availability of podcasts, books, and videos fosters education and empowerment within Indigenous communities.
Original Indigenous Caretakers of the land
Indigenous Non-profit Organizations Health Centers
- Northern California
- Native Dad’s Network, phone #- (916)910-7663
- Native Dads Network/Home
- info@nativedadsnetwork.org
- A 501 (c) (3) community-based group offering support to fathers, mothers, and their families. Our approach is a culturally rich model that inspires, motivates, and strengthens.
- Native Dad’s Network, phone #- (916)910-7663
- Southern California
- Southern Indian Health Council
- (619) 445-1188 Ext. 100
- Indian Health Council
- Pechanga Indian Health Services
- Southern Indian Health Council
- United American Indian Involvement
- Non-Profit organization serving Indigenous Urban Nations in Los Angeles and Orange County
- United American Indian Involvement (UAII)
- 213-202-3970
- Native American Veterans Resources
- Northern CA- Tribal, CAL-VET Sacramento
- Alexis Moore-Bennett
- Phone: 916.653.0841
- Cell: 916.336.1832
- Alexis.Moore@calvet.ca.gov
- www.calvet.ca.gov
- Southern CA, Solara Mental Health
- Native American Veterans Recovery Program
- 1321 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA
- 866-606-6979
- www.SolaraVeterensProgram.com
- National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
- Indian Child Welfare Act | Indian Affairs
- Office of Indian Services
- bia.icwa@bia.gov
- 202-513-7642
- Tribal Star
- Tribal STAR – Academy for Professional Excellence
- Sunni Dominguez, Member of the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
- Program Manager
- (619) 594-6107
- sadominguez@sdsu.edu
Indigenous Education Programs, Colleges & University Programs
- SERVE | SDSU
- Southern: San Diego State University
- Project Coordinator: Tamara Strohauer
- tstrohauer@sdsu.edu
- Northern: Cal Poly Humboldt
- Project Coordinator: Michelle Rainer
- michelle.rainer@humboldt.edu
- Central: Fresno State University
- Project Coordinator: Zachary Zurkovsky
- zacharyz@csufresno.edu
- Southern: San Diego State University
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG)
- California Consortium for Urban Indian Health (CCUIH)
- Jackie Pierson
- Director of Wellness & Healing Programs
- Email- jackie@ccuih.org
- (916)-680-9579 ext.1013
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP)
- Southern California
- Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons San Diego | MMIPSD
- Email- info@mmipsd.org
Suicide Prevention Resources
- StrongHearts Native Helpline | Home
- Helpline: 1-844-762-8483
- Tribe/Indian Organization: Tuchily Healing Hearts: Tribal Mobile Crisis Response Team
- Tuchily Healing Hearts: Tribal Mobile Crisis Response Team – California Tribal Families Coalition
- Phone: 760-292-6271
Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) prevention resources
- Red Road to Wellbriety
- Tribal MAT Project
- California Indian Harm Reduction Workgroup
- Medication-Assisted Treatment Project | CCUIH
- CRIHB Opioid Response Projects – California Rural Indian Health Board
- Indigenous (AOD) Treatment Centers
- Northern CA- Friendship House, Sacramento, CA
- Friendship House – A Way Home
- info@friendshiphousede.org
- (302) 652-8133
- Central CA- Native Directions Inc. Three Rivers Indian Lodge, Manteca, CA
- Phone:(209)-858-2421
- rvaladez@nativedirections.org
- Southern CA- Inner Tribal Treatment
- Program Director Contact: 442-217-9854
- Email- help@inner-tribaltreatment.com
Indigenous Scholarships
- Cobel Scholarship
- Direct: (505) 313-0032
- scholarships@cobellscholar.org
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Birdwoman Scholarship
- NASW Native American Council, CA Chapter
- Email- naswca.nacouncil@gmail.com
Talking Circles
- Tsuhnippeh Waippe Healing Circle
- Email- tsuhnippehwaippe@gmail.com
- Circle TBA monthly- online and in-person
- Southern California Wellbriety
- Facebook Group
- Kumeyaay Wellness Center- Talking Circles
- Kumeyaay Wellness Center (KWC) | SIHC
- Dance Circle’s Powwow’s
- Pechanga Pow Wow 2026
- January 9, 2026 – January 11, 2026
- Pechanga Casino Resort Hotel
- 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA, 92592
- Bay Area American Indian Two Spirit Pow Wow
- Fort Mason Festival Pavilion
- Landmark Building C, 2 Marina Boulevard, Suite #260, San Francisco, CA, 94123
- February 1st, 2026
- Fantasy Springs Pow Wow 2025
- November 28, 29, and 30, 2025
- The Fantasy Springs Pow Wow 2025 will occur at the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. This annual event is a celebration of Native American culture, featuring dance contests, bird singing, drum contests, and a variety of traditional Native American food, handcrafted jewelry, and arts and crafts. The event is drug and alcohol-free, and admission is free. The Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians will host the powwow on November 28, 29, and 30, 2025.
- 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203-3499 | 1-800-827-2946
- Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow 2025
- December 20, 2025 – December 21, 2025
- Imperial Beach Pier Plaza
- 825 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA, 91932
Podcasts
- Welcome to Episode 5 Youth Indicators Series with Shurene Premo, MSW, of the Newe Numa Nation, Chairwoman, Native American Council, NASW California Chapter.: PilialohaNow I Building Sustainability | Podcast Episode on Podbay
- Indigenous histories from Indigenous voices and lived experiences
- 25 Best Indigenous Podcasts to Listen to in 2025
Books/Videos
- Girl Warrior, Joy Harjo, Girl Warrior- Joy Harjo
- Old School Indian by Aaron John Curtis
- Big Chief by Jon Hickey
- All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety by David A. Robertson
- A body more tolerable by Jaye Simpson
- Generations Stolen (2023) Video
- Extraordinary Native American Women (2023) Video
- Off the Rez (2012) Video
- Little Bird- Movie
Fashion/Jewelry/Art/Music
- Lauren Good Day- Indigenous Fashion
- Paha antsoonaihte, “Aunties Beading.” Indigenous Beadwork and Art
- Indigenous owned small business Paha antsoonaihte – Paha antsoonaihte “Aunties beading,”
- Snotty Nose Rez Kids
- Drezus Music
- Tia Wood
If you would like to share your Tribal Organization, dance circles, talking circles, or any other community-based information with this Indigenous tool kit, feel free to email the NASW NAC at naswca.nacouncil@gmail.com.
With honor and respect, for Native American Heritage Month
The NASW Native American Council
