California Construction News staff writer
Construction of the California Indian Heritage Center is moving ahead on a 51-acre site at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, with state officials describing the project as part of ongoing efforts to recognize California’s Indigenous history and expand cultural programming in partnership with tribal communities.
In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he has worked with Native American tribes across the state over nearly eight years to address historical wrongs and support new initiatives.
“For almost eight years, I have had the honor of working with and learning from California Native American tribes across the state to recognize past wrongs, address them where possible, and establish new systems, resources, and initiatives to help Native communities thrive,” Newsom said. “The California Indian Heritage Center will be a long-standing part of this work, teaching generations yet to come about one of the fundamental parts of the state’s heritage.”
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said the site is intended to emphasize education, land stewardship and cultural understanding.
“Sitting at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, the California Indian Heritage Center will be rooted in respect, community, education, and land stewardship,” she said. “Together, through this new space, we can deepen public understanding of our state’s history, honor practices that have sustained communities for years, and create opportunities for dialogue across generations.”
Phase one of the project, expected to be completed in fall 2026, will include an outdoor welcome area with cultural and educational information, amphitheatre-style seating, restrooms and parking. The site is intended to accommodate both tribal and non-tribal visitors, with open space for reflection on the diversity and cultural traditions of California’s Indigenous peoples.
“Now, 175 years into California’s statehood, we can finally say that we are following through on a commitment to honor the first people of this place,” said Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari. “Having a place where all California Native people can see that they are genuinely celebrated and belong as the foundational people of this state is worth the time and effort it has taken to get here.”
Once fully developed, the centre is expected to host visitors from around the world and offer programming focused on the living cultures of California Native American tribes. State officials say Indigenous communities have been involved in shaping the design and future programming through ongoing consultation and outreach.
The project was initially supported by a $100 million allocation in the state’s 2018–19 budget. California has also set a target to raise an additional $100 million to support future phases. The design and build contract has been awarded to Fentress Architects and Amaktoolik Studios.
Officials have described the project as part of broader state efforts, including the Tribal Nation Summit and other initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices and supporting reconciliation and education.
