President Rudy Ortega Jr. of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians will join the California Policy course at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs as a guest speaker. His visit offers students a rare opportunity to engage directly with tribal leadership and gain insight into how tribal governments intersect with California state and local policy systems. President Ortega will speak on topics such as tribal sovereignty, the governance and history of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band, and how tribal nations collaborate with public agencies on shared challenges like housing, environmental protection, and infrastructure. Students can expect a rich, thought-provoking discussion that deepens their understanding of tribal-state relations and the critical role of Indigenous voices in shaping California policy.
He will be joined by :
- Citlaly Ortega, Policy Specialist
- Miguel Luna, Chief Administrative Officer
- Luis Cervantes, Executive Director of the Tataviam Land Conservancy.
This special session highlights the broader impact of Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s course and the incredible lineup of guest speakers helping students deepen their understanding of California policy and governance.
