- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The University of California, Berkeley School of Law’s Native American Law Student Association (NALSA) recently honored Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) and his wife of 36 years, Terri Ramos, at its 2025 Honoring Ceremony. The couple was recognized for their enduring contributions and leadership in Native American communities.
Merri Lopez-Keifer, Executive Director of the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice, praised Terri Ramos for her unwavering support. “Terri Ramos was honored for her steadfast support of her family and community. As the partner of a tribal leader and legislator, her quiet strength underscores that leadership often happens in everyday acts of care and resilience,” she said.
Make A Donation Here
Assemblymember Ramos delivered the keynote address at the UC Botanical Garden, where he stressed the importance of defending tribal sovereignty and promoting Native self-determination. His speech reflected on historical challenges while also focusing on ongoing legislative efforts.
The event, hosted by the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice, also celebrated this year’s NALSA graduates: Mackenzie Gettel (Iowa Nation), Dylan Good (Maidu), Grace Li (Modoc Nation Descendant), Robin Martinez (Navajo), Joseph Ross (Cherokee Nation), Washakie Tibbetts (White Earth Ojibwe & Wind River Shoshone), and Lucas White Moon (Gros Ventre). Family, friends, and community members joined in the celebration.
More Stories Like This
Navajo Nation Speaker Curley and Council Delegate Dr. Nez Join Education Leaders to Address Federal Budget CutsMackie Moore (Cherokee) Named Interim President of Haskell Indian Nations University
Mohawk Students File Legal Suit Over Changes Impacting Access to Federal Financial Aid
Trump Administration Proposes Deep Cuts to Tribal College Funding, Threatening Their Survival
USU Researchers Find Relationship Building, Local Cultural Knowledge Key for Indigenous Learners
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
