CSUSB’s inaugural Native Community Welcome Dinner highlights culture, connection and support

Cal State San Bernardino hosted its inaugural Native Community Welcome Dinner, bringing together more than 75 Native students, Tribal leaders, educators, community partners and CSUSB faculty and staff for an evening of connection, culture and celebration. The event welcomed new and returning students while underscoring the university’s commitment to supporting Native student success.

“It's so important for our students, staff and faculty to come together and see the network of support on and off campus,” said Alex “Panda” Armendariz, director of Tribal Relations. “We're grateful to our community and Tribal partners for coming over to the event and showing support.”

Attendees enjoyed cultural performances by bird singers, learned about on-campus resources, and heard from university leadership, including President Tomás D. Morales, who provided welcome remarks and shared his support for strengthening partnerships with Tribal communities and organizations.

“It is a pleasure and an honor to host you here in our wonderful student union, named after Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, revered leader of Santos Manuel, and celebrate our Native American and Indigenous communities,” said Morales. “This is a very special occasion, and I’m just so pleased to see the turnout this evening.

“We have been building relationships with our local tribes here in the Inland Empire for many years, and I know this commitment will move forward. This is the foundation — you all here today,” he added.

Hosted by the Office of Government, Tribal, and Community Relations, First Peoples’ Center, and Office of Outreach and Student Recruitment, the dinner, held on Sept. 18, marked the beginning of the academic year with cultural celebration and highlighted the strong support system available to Native students.