For the first time, an Indigenous woman has been appointed to join California’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Joely Proudfit is Luiseño and Payómkawichum. She has been department chair of American Indian Studies and director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at California State University, San Marcos since 2008.
Proudfit said it means a lot to her to be able to represent Indigenous women and girls on the commission.
"For so long, and far too long, the invisibility and the erasure of Native peoples, especially Native women and girls, has been the norm. And so I'm excited to not only have a seat at the table but to have an opportunity to work with other women to help shape policy to better the lives of all women in California. And for my focus, especially that of indigenous women and girls," Proudfit said.
The position on the commission requires confirmation by the state senate.
Proudfit joined Midday Edition on Tuesday to talk about her hopes for the role on the commission.
