California’s state parks are more than places to hike, camp or explore. They hold layers of history — some well interpreted; some left out of the story for far too long.
Through its Re-examining Our Past initiative, California State Parks is working to make sure the histories within these lands are told accurately, including the histories of the California Native American tribes who have called this land home since time immemorial, long before the creation of California state parks.
“This is thoughtful, careful work grounded in listening, collaboration, and respect. It is not about rewriting history — it is about telling more of it, fully and accurately,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Through the Inclusive History and Tribal Land Acknowledgement projects, we are helping visitors better understand the many stories that shape California’s parks while working in partnership with California Native American tribes to honor their histories, perspectives and continuing connection to these lands through updated interpretation, signage and educational resources.”
As new research emerges and communities come forward to share their own histories, that responsibility needs action. California State Parks alongside tribal partners, cultural communities, scholars, educators, interpretation experts and nonprofit partners like Parks California help these stories reach the public with the accuracy and depth they deserve.
Building a culture of inclusive storytelling
Across California, State Parks interpretive staff, volunteers and partners spend their day guiding visitors to explore more than the natural habitat. Inclusive storytelling creates opportunities to bring more voices and perspectives into those experiences, helping visitors better understand the people, cultures and histories connected to the places they are visiting.
At Plumas-Eureka State Park, a new book club for staff and volunteers helps to bring awareness to underrepresented voices from the Gold Rush era that they can then weave into their own storytelling.
At Shasta State Historic Park and Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, interactive outdoor “StoryWalk” programs display the pages of a children’s book sequentially along a walking path, park trail or sidewalk. The team selects featured books that reflect the diversity of visitors’ backgrounds. At Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park, Auburn State Recreation Area and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, new signs share the journey of plants and people during the Gold Rush, in some instances detailing the journey of invasive plants or demonstrating how food and culture connect to people.
At La Purísima Mission State Historic Park, staff reimagined a school group program as History Exploration Day. Using insights from Inclusive History training, they set new goals and created a narrative that weaves Indigenous and Spanish perspectives. The story now spans pre-contact to present day and balances Chumash, soldiers and church voices. History Exploration Day welcomes students to explore through dialogue, observation and hands-on activities.
“At the heart of this work are our people,” said Heather Holm, division chief, Interpretation and Education at California State Parks. “When we strengthen our staff’s skills, knowledge and confidence, we find new ways to bring the full story of state parks to life. These places matter deeply to so many of us. These are places that are beloved, and we want everyone who comes to a park to feel welcome and find a real sense of belonging. Together, we’re shaping parks that lift everyone up and connect us all.”
As part of the Inclusive History project, interpretive staff join an 18-month training program coordinated by California State Parks, Parks California and partners to build knowledge and confidence, strengthen partnerships and create long-term action plans. Together, they learn, collaborate, experiment and reflect on how best to deliver these stories to visitors, and strengthen California’s commitment to Outdoor Access for All.
Acknowledging tribal lands through partnership
That same investment in collaboration is guiding work to acknowledge tribal lands throughout California State Park System.
Draft signage created with tribal guidance for Clear Lake State Park in Lake County (Photo: California State Parks)
California State Parks partners are working with California Native American tribes to develop culturally affiliated land acknowledgements in parks statewide. This work helps reclaim Indigenous presence in parks and build a more comprehensive picture of California history, although they are just one part of a much larger effort.
“Visible acknowledgements in our parks are but one more step we can take to better reflect the lived history of today’s public lands,” said Leslie Hartzell, division chief, Cultural Resources. “Centering truthful, accurate stories from cultural authorities is not only our responsibility as stewards, but also an opportunity to put actions behind the state’s recognition of the historical mistreatment Indigenous communities have endured.”
Statewide, more than 70 tribes have offered guidance to California State Parks to build relationships, better understand how tribes want to represent themselves, their connection to the parks and incorporate tribal priorities into interpretive narratives. This guidance means visitors will see signs at the entrance and within these parks that detail historic land stewardship and the ongoing tribal relationships to the land today.
More than 200 acknowledgement statements and entrance and pedestrian signs are in progress for parks. The first signs go up in North Coast parks in fall 2026, followed by Southern California parks later in the year.
Beyond signage
The Tribal Land Acknowledgement project also improves interpretation and exhibits at more than 30 parks to better contextualize the culture, history and contemporary experiences of California Native Americans.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Parks’ People Who Lived Here project poster (Photo: California State Parks)
At Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, this work is taking shape through People Who Lived Here, a multimedia tour that connects the past to the present. The project brings contemporary Native voices into the telling of mission history, with the life stories of five Native or mixed-race people, scripted and narrated by Native community members whose ancestors experienced mission life and its impacts.
Most projects include new interpretive panels, co-created in partnership with tribes and tribal artists. At Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, tribal artists are painting cultural and historical murals on the concrete pillars of the Lake Natoma Crossing bridge.
Projects happening this fall include Basket Weaver’s Day at the State Indian Museum, where in addition to demonstrations by expert tribal weavers, visitors will have the chance to make their own twined pipe-cleaner baskets. A new exhibit will be unveiled at the State Indian Museum this fall to highlight the successful return of cultural belongings back to the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians These projects show what inclusive storytelling can look like when communities tell their own stories.
Partnership makes this work possible
Meaningful storytelling starts with meaningful relationships. These relationships help bring California’s full story to life in every park, for every visitor.
“Everyone should feel welcome in California’s public lands,” said Kindley Walsh Lawlor, president and CEO, Parks California. “That means removing barriers, uplifting community voices and creating experiences where people can build a lifelong relationship with these places. By supporting this work alongside California State Parks and our partners, we’re helping build a more inclusive, resilient and welcoming park system that reflects California’s diverse communities and is prepared to meet the needs of the future.”
California State Parks and its partners are investing in history to bring California’s story forward. Learn how to support.