On February 19, 2026, California Indians and Native populations across the state celebrated a series of victories in their ongoing struggles for land rights and cultural preservation. These victories mark significant milestones in the long history of disenfranchisement and marginalization faced by Indigenous communities in California.One of the most notable wins came in the form of a landmark settlement between the state of California and the Yurok Tribe. The settlement, which was reached after years of legal battles, grants the tribe exclusive rights to a stretch of coastline that has been of cultural and spiritual significance to the Yurok people for generations. The agreement also includes provisions for the protection and restoration of the natural habitats within the tribe's ancestral lands.In Southern California, the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribal Council announced a successful campaign to secure federal recognition for their tribe. This designation grants the Gabrielino-Tongva access to crucial resources and services, as well as guarantees their rights to self-governance and cultural preservation. The tribe's leaders expressed their gratitude for the support of allies and the perseverance of their community in achieving this milestone.Additionally, the California State Legislature passed a bill that mandates the inclusion of Native American perspectives and history in the state's K-12 education curriculum. The bill, which was championed by Indigenous activists and educators, aims to address the erasure of Native voices from mainstream education and promote a more inclusive understanding of California's complex history.In response to these victories, tribal leaders and activists from across the state gathered for a celebratory event at the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center. The event featured traditional dances, songs, and storytelling, showcasing the resilience and vibrancy of California's Indigenous communities.As California Indians and Native populations continue to push for recognition, justice, and equality, these recent successes serve as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures in the face of adversity. The victories of February 19, 2026, mark a turning point in the struggle for Indigenous rights and signal a new era of hope and progress for California's first peoples.