Existing law authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a statewide agreement with a park support organization to facilitate the implementation of reforms recommended by the Parks Forward Commission and to develop and secure expertise, services, resources, and projects that are not readily available to the state park system for specified purposes.

Existing law provides for the department’s development of a California Indian Heritage Center for cultural preservation, learning and exchange, land stewardship, and a place to engage all visitors in celebrating the living cultures of California Native American tribes.

This bill would authorize the department to enter into an agreement with a California Indian Heritage Center support organization, as defined, for the purpose of creating a collaborative partnership between California Native American tribes and the department to achieve specified purposes in support of the California Indian Heritage Center. The bill would require the California Indian Heritage Center support organization to be overseen by a board of directors, with designated membership, and led by a chief executive officer, as provided.