Intertribal Life Newspaper -

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-A new California education law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom will allow Native American students to be excused from school so they can participate in cultural ceremonies.

Before Assembly Bill 516 was passed, when Native children missed school days to participate in cultural events, the days were not considered excused absence. As a result, at times students were not allowed to make up work or tests they missed.

"It's certainly gratifying to see that the work we are doing is having an impact on our local students, locally as well as beyond. It's a sign of respect for our t...