CSUSM invites all members of the campus community to participate in the following events.  

Pow Wow Dance Workshops 

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 11, 18, 6-8 p.m., Serenity Circle 

Learn the history, meaning and movement of pow wow dancing in this interactive workshop led by Kiara Flores. Celebrate culture, community and tradition through dance. 

Chow on Deck: United in Service – A Celebration of Native American Veterans 

Tuesday, Nov. 4, noon, Epstein Family Veterans Center deck 

American Indian Student Center NAHM Kickoff Event 

Friday, Nov. 7, 5-8 p.m., USU Amphitheater 

CSUSM’s American Indian Student Center invites the campus community to celebrate the start of Native American Heritage Month. The evening will include traditional bird singing, pow wow dancing and storytelling along with food prepared by Chef Carmen of Island Smoke N’ Grill. 

CSUSM Second Annual Social Gathering 

Thursday, Nov. 20, 3-6:30 p.m., Mangrum Track & Field 

The event will feature traditional bird singers and dancers, along with local vendors showcasing Native art and jewelry. All are welcome to join in this celebration of community and culture. 

Note: Due to extenuating circumstances, the social gathering will not be held as scheduled on Nov. 20. It will be postponed until the spring or summer of 2026. For inquiries, you can email communityengagement@csusm.edu.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

“I’m really impressed with high student participation in my classes,” said O’Dell, who is particularly moved by the contributions of her global governance class, which is essentially an introduction to international relations.

“I’m really excited that the students are so interested in the subject matter. We’ve also already had some really good conversations about current events that are happening in my environmental politics class, which is called Green Planet Politics.”

O’Dell is one of four newly hired tenure-track faculty in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences.

She is spending this week at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom at the Human Development and Capability Association Conference, where she will present her research on how humans can agree on sustainable use and management of Earth’s resources. O’Dell is also a board member (director at large) for the organization.

O’Dell comes to CSUSM from Seton Hill University, a Catholic liberal arts university in Greensburg, Pa. There, she was program coordinator (essentially the chair) of the political science and global studies program, led the Model United Nations program and was the adviser for the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society chapter.

In addition to the larger student population here, another adjustment she has enjoyed is the change in lifestyle. Along with her husband and dog, O’Dell already has basked in beach days and local hikes, including traversing Torrey Pines recently.

“There are a lot of wonderful things about where I’ve lived before, but there’s nothing like being able to go for a walk by the ocean so easily, or be on the beach or even do some of the hikes around here and enjoy the beautiful views,” said O’Dell, who grew up in Montana and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a master’s from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver.

O’Dell is not unlike many CSUSM students. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, beginning that journey at the community college level.

Social mobility was a crucial part of her path, so she’s excited to help guide students here by utilizing the same tools of hard work and a caring support system.

“I know that CSUSM has that amazing opportunity for students, and so many people who come here are the first people in their family who have gone to a college or are thinking about a university degree or thinking about expanding what they want to do with their lives,” she said. “That was one of the things that definitely drew me.”

O’Dell wants to support students to learn and practice how to protect the environment. Essentially, how to make sure humans can thrive while also utilizing our resources sustainably.

Putting the theoretical into practice.

“There are so many ways CSUSM focuses on sustainability, on the concern for the environment,” she said. “That’s deeply connected to my study of public policy, my study of international relations – my academic interests and research interests, but also practical interests. So that’s really exciting.”

Hyunjin Koo

Hyunjin Koo is an assistant professor in the department of psychological science. She earned a Ph.D. in social psychology from UC Irvine and worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of British Columbia before joining CSUSM.

As a social psychologist, Koo has two main research programs. First, her work examines how experiences and beliefs about socioeconomic mobility shape everyday thoughts and behaviors, including attitudes toward work and leisure, views of the rich and poor, perceptions of inequality, morality, and social class. Second, in an emerging line of research, she studies a novel psychological construct that she and her team have introduced – leisure guilt — which refers to the guilt people feel when taking leisure time instead of being productive. Her research explores the antecedents and consequences of leisure guilt, as well as the cultural and social factors that influence it.

What drew you to CSUSM?

Koo: I was drawn to CSUSM for its strong commitment to student success and social mobility. My main research interest is social mobility, so I was excited to find that my work aligns perfectly with the university’s mission and goals.

 

What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes?

Koo: I hope that through my classes, students come to see how psychology connects to many aspects of their daily lives and experiences, and that they discover the joy of engaging with psychological topics. 

What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here?

Koo: I want to embody the teacher–scholar model. My goal is to be both a strong researcher and a dedicated teacher who helps students achieve their own success.
 

What is your favorite activity during your downtime?

Koo: In my free time, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops and restaurants and finding new favorites. I’m especially excited that San Diego has so many places to discover!

Kiana Maillet

Kiana Maillet is an assistant professor in the American Indian studies department and is a member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe.

She is a double CSUSM alumna and a licensed clinical social worker with multiple certifications, and she has extensive volunteer and job experience working with youth, families and communities.

Her research interests include American Indian experiences within systems such as foster care, schools and mental health, as well as traditional teachings and experiences with language, foods, plants, places and ceremony.

What drew you to CSUSM?  

Maillet: I went through the Master of Social Work and the joint doctoral programs at CSUSM and have been a lecturer here for several years in the AIS department. 

What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes?  

Maillet: I hope that students will learn about the beauty and complexity of Native ways of being – our side of history, science, mental health, ecology, language, the real impacts of colonization and the strength and resilience of our people.

What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here?  

Maillet: I hope to not only share my knowledge, but also to continue to grow and learn myself. I want to be able to make a positive impact on our students, our campus and in our communities.

What is your favorite activity during your down time?

Maillet: I enjoy hiking, gardening, playing with my grandsons and attending our Nüümü Yadoha (Paiute language) classes.

Carlos Rosas

Carlos Rosas is a new assistant professor in the psychological science department. He’s also no stranger to campus.

Rosas earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSUSM and a Ph.D. in psychology with a concentration in community and prevention research from the University of Illinois Chicago. Rosas completed epidemiology-focused postdoctoral fellowships at UC San Diego and San Diego State.

For the past two years, he also has taught various classes as a lecturer at CSUSM. His research program integrates social and health psychology theories, epidemiological methods, and community-based participatory research approaches to examine the social, cultural and psychological drivers/determinants of mental and physical health (particularly in the context of chronic disease prevention and management), and to develop, implement and evaluate culturally informed and tailored, community-based interventions to promote healthy behaviors and mitigate risk factors.

His research places special emphasis on communities of color and other historically understudied populations. Rosas regularly teaches multicultural perspectives in psychology, social psychology and statistics in psychology. 

What drew you to CSUSM?

Rosas: CSUSM is my alma mater. As an undergraduate, I found CSUSM to be an incredibly supportive and intellectually nurturing academic home. The encouragement and guidance I received from the psychology faculty were quite literally life-changing. I would not have pursued a doctoral degree without their unwavering support and mentorship. Hence, returning to CSUSM was the natural choice for me, and I'm really excited for the opportunity to provide my own students with the same support, motivation and inspiration that I once received from my own professors.  

What are you hoping your students will take away from your classes?

Rosas: I want my students to leave my classes inspired. In particular, I hope students from low-income and historically underrepresented backgrounds see that it is possible for people like us – the first in our families to attend college, from working-class families, etc. – to move up the socioeconomic ladder and pursue careers that often seem inaccessible. I also want to instill in my students a passion for psychology and psychological research. I still remember walking out of my first social psychology class in awe of the studies we had learned about, and I hope my students leave my classes with that same sense of wonder and curiosity. 

What is one of your professional goals you hope to accomplish while you’re here?

Rosas: I'm looking forward to establishing partnerships with local community organizations and clinics to collaborate on research projects that improve the health and well-being of underserved communities. 

What is your favorite activity during your down time?

Rosas: I enjoy working out, primarily lifting weights, though I also like to add a cardio session from time to time. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

During a deeply moving celebration last week honoring American Indian and Alaska Native graduates at Cal State San Marcos, leaders from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation stepped forward to make history. In an act that will reverberate through generations, they formally presented a $3 million endowment gift to the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC), the largest single gift in the university's history dedicated to Indigenous education and research. 

The moment transcended a simple transaction. In a reciprocal gesture steeped in tradition and meaning, the CICSC presented the tribe with a one-of-a-kind painting entitled "The Gift," created by Eric Tippeconnic (Comanche), a CSUSM American Indian studies professor and celebrated artist whose work bridges Native culture through contemporary expression. The exchange served as a heartfelt tribute to an enduring relationship rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to Native student success. 

“This gift represents more than financial support; it embodies the strength of our partnerships and our collective belief in the transformative power of Indigenous education,” said Joely Proudfit (Payómkawichum, Tongva), director of the CICSC and chair of American Indian studies. “When tribal nations invest in higher education, they are not just supporting individual students; they are affirming tribal sovereignty, cultural continuity and the inherent right of our people to define our own futures. This endowment will create pathways for Native students who might otherwise never see the possibility of higher education, ensuring that our voices, our knowledge systems and our ways of knowing continue to flourish in academic spaces." 

A Partnership Forged in Vision and Reciprocity 

“We are deeply honored by this generous investment from Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “This historic gift affirms the work we’ve accomplished and progress we’ve made, while underscoring the power of tribal-university partnerships to build a more inclusive future – one that uplifts Native voices, values Indigenous knowledge systems and reflects our shared commitment to meaningful collaboration and student success.” 

The relationship between Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and CSUSM began more than a decade ago as a seed of possibility. When the tribe contributed nearly $1 million to help launch the university's CICSC, they weren't just funding a program – they were investing in a vision of what Indigenous education could become. Since then, the CICSC has evolved into a nationally recognized beacon for Native student success, groundbreaking research and transformative community engagement, serving as both a vital resource for California tribal communities and a blueprint for Indigenous-led initiatives in higher education nationwide. 

Building Legacy, Transforming Lives 

“Moments like this reflect the legacy we're building together – not just for today, but for the generations of Native leaders yet to come,” said Johnny Hernandez, vice chairman of the Yuhaaviatam Tribal Council of San Manuel. “We thank CSUSM for creating a space that truly amplifies Native voices and honors tribal perspectives with the respect they deserve. This investment will be transformational for generations to come – providing the resources needed to continue championing education, cultural preservation and the sovereignty of Native nations.” 

As students, faculty, tribal leaders and community members gathered to honor Native American graduates, the ceremony underscored the profound influence of the CICSC, the only center of its kind in the California State University system. The timing was no coincidence; this gift was presented during a celebration of achievement, surrounded by the living embodiment of what such investments make possible. 

When You Build It, They Will Come 

With one of the highest per capita populations of American Indian and Alaska Native students in California, CSUSM has established itself as more than an educational institution – it has become a thriving intellectual home where Indigenous excellence flourishes. The university's commitment goes beyond enrollment numbers; it encompasses a holistic approach to Native student success that honors both academic achievement and cultural identity, creating an environment where students can pursue rigorous scholarship while remaining deeply connected to Indigenous knowledge and community values. 

CICSC alumni serve as living testaments to this approach. They have gone on to hold leadership positions in tribal government, shape public policy at state and federal levels, and make meaningful contributions as educators who carry both Western knowledge and traditional teachings, artists who preserve and evolve cultural expression, health professionals who serve their communities with cultural competency, and cultural preservationists who ensure that Indigenous knowledge flows to future generations. 

An Enduring Investment in Tomorrow 

This $3 million endowment, amplified by a $1 million match contribution from the Epstein Family Foundation, represents more than monetary value. It is an investment in sovereignty, cultural continuity and the radical act of ensuring that Native students see themselves reflected in the halls of higher education. It will support scholarships, fund innovative research that centers Indigenous knowledge, expand community outreach programs and create new pathways for Native students to pursue their dreams while staying connected to their cultural roots. 

In a world where Indigenous peoples continue to fight for recognition, respect and resources, this partnership between Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and CSUSM stands as a powerful example of what becomes possible when mutual respect meets genuine commitment to change. It demonstrates that when tribal nations and institutions of higher education work together as true partners, they can create ripple effects that extend far beyond campus boundaries, touching communities across Indian Country and beyond. 

As the ceremony concluded and graduates prepared to take their next steps into the world, they carried with them not only their degrees but also the knowledge that their success is part of a larger story, one of resilience, partnership and the firm belief that Indigenous voices and knowledge have always belonged in every space, especially those where the future is being shaped.  

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Tippeconnic, an artist and American Indian studies professor at Cal State San Marcos, had spoken to the audience about one of his specialties: the use of murals to portray land acknowledgements visually. And having been inspired by the talk, the teacher, Domingo Anguiano, wanted Tippeconnic to bring a visual land acknowledgement to his school, Sullivan Middle in Bonsall.

Two years later, the vision that was born that day has become a reality. On April 23, Tippeconnic was among a crowd of about 250 people who watched the unveiling of his mural – which doubles as a land acknowledgment – in the courtyard between Sullivan Middle and Bonsall High School.

Among the others in attendance were two CSUSM administrators, Provost Carl Kemnitz and Chief Community Engagement Officer Patricia Prado-Olmos; Joely Proudfit, chair of the American Indian studies department and director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center; Brandon Johnson, vice chair of the Pala Band of Mission Indians; Heather Golly, superintendent of Bonsall Unified School District; Joseph Clevenger, assistant superintendent of the San Diego County Office of Education; and guests from various Native communities in Southern California.

“This mural represents a school district making a significant step by centering the first peoples of this land,” Tippeconnic said. “A visual land acknowledgment is a more tangible and permanent step to include the original peoples of this land in the historical narrative.”

After Anguiano met Tippeconnic at the conference, he invited him to Bonsall to talk to school officials and teachers about the project. Once it had been approved, Anguiano introduced Tippeconnic to Native students from the district who had expressed a desire to be involved in the mural.

Last May, 10 students (five boys and five girls) participated in a photo shoot during which they sang Native bird songs and danced. Tippeconnic took those photos and rendered a composite drawing, which he then used as a guide for the mural.

During the unveiling event, those same students depicted in the mural danced in front of their own images on the wall.

“That was the absolute highlight for me,” Tippeconnic said. “It truly captured the spirit of the day. The positive feelings and vibrations were palpable.”

Since the partnership with Bonsall began, Tippeconnic said, more than 30 Native students from the district who are considering college have visited CSUSM to tour campus and the CICSC.

An enrolled member of the Comanche Nation, Tippeconnic is no stranger to visual land acknowledgements. Three years ago, he created an exhibit titled “Our Existence Is Our Resistance” in the CSUSM library that was entirely dedicated to the subject.

“Native peoples, including those indigenous to California, have been systematically erased from U.S. history and are conspicuously absent from mainstream educational curriculum,” said Tippeconnic, who has been a tenure-track professor at CSUSM since 2020. “The Bonsall mural is a significant gesture to convey that inclusion and representation matter.”

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

San Manuel is a longtime supporter of CSUSM, having contributed nearly $1 million when the CICSC opened its doors in 2011. Since then, the center has become a home away from home for American Indian students in their higher education pursuits. The CICSC also champions groundbreaking research, publications and events to empower Native voices and inform public policy.

This additional funding will enable the CICSC to expand cultural preservation programs, strengthen student success, foster community engagement and support operational excellence.

“This transformative gift from San Manuel, combined with the exceptional work of our American Indian Studies Department and the CICSC, positions CSUSM to better serve Native American students," CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. "We’re committed to building a comprehensive program that promotes both academic rigor and cultural empowerment. Together with our tribal partners, we aim to set new standards for Native American student achievement in higher education.”

San Manuel's gift builds on its partnership with CSUSM and demonstrates a commitment to strengthening tribal sovereignty through education. The investment will empower Native American students to become leaders, scholars and researchers shaping the future of California tribal communities.

“This endowment represents more than funding – it's an investment in the preservation and advancement of Indigenous knowledge, leadership and sovereignty," said Dr. Joely Proudfit, director of the CICSC. “With these resources, we can amplify Native voices, deepen our research initiatives and create even more powerful opportunities for our students to engage with tribal nations while pursuing academic excellence.”

"The CICSC helps to enhance the educational experience of students within the CICSC community,” said Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "Through advocacy, research, leadership and systemic change, the CICSC fosters an environment where Native culture, tribal sovereignty and progress can flourish."

San Manuel’s $3 million gift, amplified by a $1 million match contribution from the Epstein Family Foundation, reflects a shared commitment to empowering the Indigenous community at CSUSM and supporting the CICSC.

For more information about the CICSC, visit csusm.edu/cicsc, contact center director Joely Proudfit, Ph.D., at jproudfi@csusm.edu, or call 760-750-3535.

About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. San Manuel exercises its inherent sovereign right of self-governance and provides essential services for its citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services and promoting social, economic and cultural development. As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains and high deserts, the Serrano people of San Manuel have called this area home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.

The "State of American Indian and Alaska Native Education in California 2024" report, funded by CSUSM, shows that while AIAN high school graduation rates improved substantially from 70.54% in 2017-18 to 78.76% in 2021-2022, other critical metrics indicate ongoing disparities that require systematic change.

"While we celebrate the dramatic decrease in dropout rates from 53.53% to 13.53% over the past five years, we cannot ignore that our AIAN students continue to face significant barriers to academic success," said Joely Proudfit, director of the CICSC. "The pandemic has particularly impacted our communities, with absenteeism rates more than doubling from 21.3% to 43.6%."

Importantly, the report also highlights innovative and positive solutions and approaches.

“Our research highlights transformative programs that are moving the needle for AIAN student success,” Proudfit said. “By weaving together proven high-impact practices with culturally responsive approaches, we're creating stronger pathways to both higher education and career opportunities.”

The report, unveiled at Harrah's Resort Southern California on the Rincon reservation in Valley Center, brought together State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, tribal leaders, educators and parents to address these critical findings. The comprehensive study examines data across K-12 and higher education systems, revealing both promising trends and areas of concern.

"This report serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action," Thurmond said. "The increased college-going rate from 47.4% to 55.9% shows that our efforts are bearing fruit, but the declining enrollment numbers in our community colleges and persistent achievement gaps in math and English language arts remind us that our work is far from complete."

Key findings include:

• a decrease in AIAN student population from 34,704 in 2015-2016 to 26,108 in 2022-2023.
• declining enrollment in California community colleges from 8,520 in 2018 to 6,575 in 2022.
• a reduction in undergraduate degrees awarded in both the UC and CSU systems.
• higher UC enrollment rates compared to CSU for AIAN students between 2018-2022.

The report spotlights successful programs driving AIAN student success, including California Indian Education for All, the Native Scholars Pathway program and strategic community college initiatives. These evidence-based approaches combine high-impact research practices with culturally responsive programming to strengthen both college access and workforce development, while highlighting the ongoing need for AIAN educators.

The report proposes transformative recommendations to advance AIAN student success, including sustainable funding for Native American curriculum development, reformed student identification protocols and expanded support systems. Key priorities include establishing American Indian student success centers across campuses, implementing comprehensive tuition and housing support for AIAN students, and developing dedicated Native American colleges within the CSU system – all critical steps toward educational equity and tribal sovereignty in higher education.

"We're at a crucial turning point," CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. "The data clearly shows that when we invest in culturally responsive support systems and maintain strong partnerships with tribal communities, our students thrive. It's time to scale these successful practices across our educational systems."

The CICSC report comes almost a decade after the previous study released in 2016.

For more information or to download the report online, visit www.csusm.edu/cicsc/projects/education-report.html.

About the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center

The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) stands as a cornerstone of California Indigenous excellence at California State University San Marcos, where academic innovation meets tribal knowledge. As a premier research hub, CICSC advances Indigenous knowledge while cultivating the next generation of Native leaders. Our mission drives strategic partnerships with tribal nations to conduct groundbreaking research that strengthens Native communities and upholds tribal sovereignty. Through collaborative relationships between CSUSM faculty, staff, students and tribal communities, CICSC champions research initiatives that honor and preserve Indigenous ways of knowing, traditional lands, cultural practices and community values. The center's work reinforces tribal self-determination while fostering deeper connections between academia and Native nations. The CICSC mission is to foster collaborative research and community service relationships between the faculty, staff and students at CSUSM and members of tribal communities for the purpose of developing and conducting research projects that support the maintenance of sovereignty and culture within those communities.

And it was an internship with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that really helped him take flight.

“My love for animals and conservation happened when I was really young,” Valverde said. “My mom and I would always go to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park and ever since then, I've loved animals. When I got older I learned about them, and how they're in danger and being illegally poached and harmed.”

Because of Valverde’s passion for animals and the environment, he enrolled at CSUSM as an environmental studies major. But Valverde found a way to combine his passion for the outdoors with his heritage after being connected to American Indian Studies Chair Joely Proudfit. 

“After taking one class, I was like, ‘This is it,’ ” Valverde said.

The class was American Indian Studies 101, an introduction to the California tribes. 

As a descendant of Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, Valverde was happy for the opportunity to appreciate his culture and learn more about it, and he officially changed his major to American Indian Studies.

Valverde was exposed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife internship from an email sent to multiple California universities. The Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office was searching for a Native student who was interested in conservation. 

Valverde jumped on the opportunity, aced his interview and began his job as an intern.

“There are three listed species of butterfly that I was assigned to research,” Valverde said. “With the Quino checkerspot butterfly, the Hermes copper butterfly and the Laguna Mountains skipper, my job was to research these butterflies, their biology, their habitat, populations, everything about them.” 

All of these species of butterflies are federally endangered. In order to go out in the areas where they are located, permits are needed. One of Valverde’s internship responsibilities was to help expedite the permit process for tribes and their traditional practices. He talked to the community, and then wrote a report explaining the effects on the habitat. 

“It would take six months to a year to get a permit for our tribe to go out in these areas,” Valverde said. “Our traditions are really seasonal and we just have to go out when we see it, get our hands dirty. By that time it's too late to get the permit. The report would help expedite the process of getting that permit. When land managers have to issue the permits, they can just read my report and issue the permits right away. That was the main goal.” 

Throughout the year at his internship, Valverde went on several field visits to places like Palomar Mountain and San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.

“I was able to go out with park rangers, entomologists and biologists,” Valvderde said. “I would research these plants and actually see them. It was amazing.”

While he was a part of several projects during his internship, most notable was the Pond Turtle Restoration. Valverde helped lay a rock foundation and put out logs for the turtles to sunbathe. This effect was positive and direct; a week later, the turtles were spotted using the newly implemented resources, making it clear how much the environment has benefited from Valverde’s time in the internship. 

“Aiden exemplifies everything we strive to achieve in American Indian Studies and at the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center,” Proudfit said. “As a Kumeyaay scholar, he has masterfully woven together his cultural heritage, academic pursuits and professional aspirations in wildlife conservation.

“His journey from a student passionate about animal welfare to a researcher helping shape federal-tribal collaboration policies showcases the transformative power of education grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing."

Working with the butterflies was Valverde’s favorite part of the internship. Following a day in the field, Valverde got a call from someone on the Tribal Communication team letting him know they had officially found Laguna Mountain skippers on Palomar Mountain.

“They hadn’t been found out there in full butterfly form,” Valverde said. “They've only been found out there in their pupae or caterpillar form, and finding one means they're surviving. If there's one, that means something is going right. That means that others will be able to follow. This is historic.”

While the year-long internship ended last May, Valverde is looking toward a future in conservation after his expected graduation in fall 2025. He is entertaining a handful of ideas, hopeful for an opportunity that can include both the environmental and tribal side of things. 

“It's not a need to be there,” Valverde said, “I want to be there. I have to be there. It's like a burn in my heart, where it's like it just spreads whenever I go back.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Proudfit was recognized due to her influence on the K-16 education system. As the founding department chair of American Indian studies at CSUSM, she helped create a space celebrating Indigenous knowledge and traditions. She was a founding member of California Indian Education for All (CIEFA), which has led to culturally responsive materials that enrich Native students' experiences and foster understanding among non-Native learners. She also has taught and developed more than 50 American Indian studies courses. 

In addition to her teaching accolades, Proudfit is the co-editor of a 10-book series, “On Indian Ground: A Return to Indigenous Knowledge," which discusses American Indian education across U.S. regions. The books spread helpful information to educators and policymakers and help develop curriculums. Her upcoming book, “Beyond the American Indian Stereotype: There's More to Me Than What You See,” promises to further challenge misconceptions and promote a more nuanced understanding of Indigenous identities.

Proudfit is a part of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Through this work, she has helped influence policy at the state and national levels, advising the state superintendent of public instruction on American Indian education programs.

Proudfit created CSUSM’s Beyond the Stereotype poster campaign, which educates communities about cultural appropriation and stereotypes. Her students' collaborative work led to the passing of significant legislation such as Assembly Bill 233 (2017), which ensures the right to wear cultural adornments at graduation ceremonies, and AB 30 (2015), which eliminates racially derogatory mascots in California public schools.

Proudfit founded the California's American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival, has helped consult and produce for major networks, and helped develop educational curriculum for the shows. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

As a transfer student from MiraCosta College, Smith’s arrival at Cal State San Marcos was a frightening one. She worried that she again would feel isolated in a new environment. But Smith not only found a place where she felt fully accepted, she found a new place to call home.  

"Cheyenne exemplifies the spirit of community engagement and scholarly excellence that we hold dear at the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC)," said Joely Proudfit, one of Smith's mentors and the director of the CICSC. "Throughout her time at CSUSM, she has profoundly impacted her peers, the campus and the broader community through her unwavering kindness, empathy and dedication to service.”  

While much of Smith’s family identifies as white, her father is American Indian, having been adopted into a white family. It was with her father’s help that Smith learned to embrace her Lakota heritage and its traditions. But she always craved more.

After her parents divorced, Smith lived with her mother in Oceanside, losing some of the closeness she had with her father. Neither of her parents had earned a college degree – her father was in the military and her mother became pregnant with Smith while enrolled in college. However, this fueled Smith’s desire to become the first in her family to graduate from college and follow her passions. 

“I think I just want to be an inspiration to them,” Smith said.

Smith spent most of her first two years of college quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving her few opportunities to connect with her peers or other students like herself. 

“I was trapped inside, there was nothing happening,” she said. “I felt like I was not progressing.” 

That began to change after she transferred to CSUSM in 2022.  

During her first year, Smith joined the American Indian Student Alliance (AISA), which turned into a life-changing experience as she discovered a sense of community, pride in her heritage and mentors like Proudfit, American Indian studies professor Eric Tippeconnic and CICSC program specialist Monica Zavala. For the first time, Smith felt like she belonged and was encouraged to embrace her identity.  

“Through AISA, I saw not only people who presented strongly as Indigenous, but also people who looked similar to me and didn’t see themselves as less Indigenous,” Smith said.  

Even with this new community, college life still proved to be challenging. Struggling with severe anxiety and depression during her second semester at CSUSM, Smith began to seclude herself and stopped attending classes. She spent most of that time tucked away in her bed, ignoring worried messages from professors, friends and mentors. She dreaded facing pressure from school and her personal life. 

“I feel like I did have a lot of support during that time that I just wasn't willing to take,” she said. “I do regret not taking advantage of the support my friends and professors offered me. They were doing the best they could. They knew something was wrong with me because it was not like me to just disappear like that.” 

Smith failed most of her classes that semester, but it was also a turning point that changed the course of her academic journey. Once more, Smith turned toward AISA and her support system.  

Smith started attending classes again, elevated her academic standing and searched for opportunities to advance in her career path. During her search, a friend from AISA encouraged Smith to apply for a position in psychology professor Kim Pulvers’ research lab for a Tobacco, E-Cigarette and Cannabis Waste Randomized Control Trial (TECW RCT). Smith is grateful to Pulvers for looking past her grades from the previous semester and recognizing her potential.  

The TECW RCT became a great opportunity for Smith to garner more experience working as a counselor and preparing to become a social worker. Smith also became involved in the CICSC, through which she has helped spread awareness of the benefits of American Indian student centers on college campuses. Even though there were some bumps in the road, Smith came back more determined than ever, inspired to help people like her in the same way that CSUSM, AISA and CICSC had helped her. 

 “I'm probably the most at peace I've ever been,” Smith said. 

Smith is motivated by the words of Tippeconnic, one of her mentors, who told her, “A win for you is a win for the community.” For the next year, she will further her research at CSUSM, this time as a faculty member, before attending graduate school. She has her sights on eventually becoming a social worker for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women organization, helping American Indian women feel supported in their efforts to combat violence against Native people.  

“As she transitions from our halls to the broader stages of professional life and graduate studies, we are filled with pride and anticipation,” Proudfit said. “Cheyenne's commitment to serving both the American Indian community and society at large promises to forge paths of positive change and enduring impact. We are excited to see the remarkable contributions she will undoubtedly make in her future endeavors.” 

At commencement, Smith will walk across the stage to accept her bachelor’s degree in social sciences, proudly representing her Indigenous heritage by donning a hand-beaded hummingbird on her cap.  

“Hummingbirds represent healing and transformation,” she said. “I feel like I really resonate with that.”  

At CSUSM, Smith has gained much more than just a degree. She found a home that helped her heal and transform into a proud biracial woman who’s ready to spread her wings. 

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

CSUSM invites the campus community to honor Native American Heritage Month through the following events. 

Screening of ‘Native America’ 

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 6 p.m., USU Ballroom

Celebrate the power of Native American women by joining us for a screening of the popular PBS series “Native America.” Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion with special guests Arigon Starr, Betty Osceola, Jennifer Johns and Paige Bethmann.

Community Coloring Contest

Nov. 1-30

Pick up a coloring page at the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, located in Social and Behavioral Science Building 1118. Coloring is from Nov. 1-15, with pages being dropped off at the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center. From Nov. 16-30, people can vote for their favorites on the Instagram page of the American Indian Student Alliance (@csusm_aisa). A winner will be announced on Nov. 30 and given a prize. 

Read a Native American Children's Book Day 

Friday, Nov. 3

Indigenize your reading by checking out a Native American children’s book on the California Indian Education For All website. 

Represent Your Tribal Nation Day

Monday, Nov. 6

Dress in your tribal gear to represent your tribe.

Storytelling With Dr. Stan Rodriguez 

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 6 p.m., Serenity Circle (outside of SBSB) 

Enjoy snacks while learning about traditional Kumeyaay stories with Dr. Stan Rodriguez. 

Honor Our American Indian Veterans Day 

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Recognize and honor American Indian veterans on and off campus.  

Kumeyaay Bingo With Miss Kumeyaay

Thursday, Nov. 9, 5 p.m., SBSB courtyard

Come play bingo with Harmony Sweetgrass, this year’s Miss Kumeyaay Nation. Sweetgrass is the first Miss Kumeyaay Nation competitor from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, making her the first person from her band to hold the title in the pageant’s two-decade history. 

Rock Your Mocs Week

Nov. 13-17

During Spirit Week, we’re offering a positive opportunity to be united and celebrate tribal individuality and diversity by wearing moccasins. 

Tukwut Paint Night 

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 5 p.m., SBSB courtyard 

Come join a fun night of painting. All supplies are included. 

‘Spirit Rangers’ Marathon 

Wednesday, Nov. 15, SBSB 1118

Join us for a full day of watching the television show “Spirit Rangers.”

AISA Potluck

Thursday, Nov. 16, SBSB 1118

All American Indian students are welcome to stop by for a potluck sponsored by the American Indian Student Alliance. 

Read an American Indian Book 

Friday, Nov. 17

Read a book by an American Indian author.

Movie Day

Monday, Nov. 20, SBSB 1118

The CICSC will be showcasing the films “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World,” “Smoke Signals” and “Prey.”

Beadwork Day

Tuesday, Nov. 21

Rock all your beadwork, including medallions, earrings and lanyards. 

Ribbon Skirt & Shirt Day

Wednesday, Nov. 22 

Accessorize your wardrobe with your favorite ribbon dress or skirt. 

Cards for Decolonization Game Day

Monday, Nov. 27, SBSB 1118

Come play the game “Cards for Decolonization.”

Gourd Ornament Workshop 

Tuesday, Nov. 28, noon, SBSB courtyard

Decorate a gourd ornament to celebrate the holiday season. 

‘Dark Winds’ Marathon 

Wednesday, Nov. 29, SBSB 1118

Join us at the CICSC for a full day of watching the TV show “Dark Winds.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

It’s not an exaggeration, however, to say sometimes it takes a monumental event to create a revolution.

When the decision-makers within the California State University system watched events unfold that summer, they knew they had to create actionable events to respond to the great call of action coming specifically from young people. Hence was born Assembly Bill 1460, which, in conjunction with the state legislature, was signed in August 2020 and mandated that CSU students take ethnic studies as a graduation requirement.

That same summer, Cal State San Marcos’ library upped the ante by committing to develop library materials to be more representative and specifically anti-racist. And now the CSUSM library team is going even farther.

So far this year the library has acquired approximately 20 new digital information resources, many directly in support of the ethnic studies and American Indian studies curriculum. The material will go far to diversify the information, experiences and voices represented in the library’s collection.

“The library is moving beyond statements of support to action, and this includes coordinated work across the CSU system with the support of provosts,” said Jennifer Fabbi, dean of the CSUSM library.

Earlier this year, the university introduced its new strategic plan, “The Power of CSUSM.” The third goal of the plan is to achieve its vision through diversity, equity and inclusive excellence. The library’s work is an example of the university’s commitment.

“I am incredibly excited about the library's tangible commitment to developing our collections in ways that wholly represent the experiences and voices of communities and groups that have been historically underrepresented and marginalized in academia,” social sciences librarian Lalitha Nataraj said. “To me, this is a clear sign that we are moving toward a more anti-racist praxis.”

The collections include both historical documents and current content as the CSU system continues its work in becoming a progressive agent for positive change.

The biggest benefactor is the CSUSM student body. Much of the content will be made available locally for the first time, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on students.

“Most of the new resources we have added include primary source documents, films and other resources created by and for marginalized communities, and much of the new content is not available anywhere but in these digital collections,” said Lauren Magnuson, the library’s head of collections, delivery and access. “For example, the Black Drama collection contains more than 1,700 plays written by more than 200 Black playwrights from around the world. Many of these works were previously unpublished, rare or no longer in print. Our access to this online collection allows CSUSM students and faculty to read and study these works and contribute to original scholarship that centers Black experiences and honors Black contributions to the history of drama.”

Thanks to money from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), the library was able to purchase access to these digital collections that go directly to support virtual teaching, learning and research. Additional funding came from the chancellor’s office – with support of the CSU provosts – following a vote of the CSU council of library deans after feedback was requested from campus faculty.

“These collections help situate students in historical and cultural moments where they have never been afforded an opportunity to see themselves,” Nataraj said. “These resources will facilitate self-reflection as well as beginning or extending vital scholarly conversations that will positively impact current and future generations by helping them feel validated within the academy.”

The library worked with the ethnic studies and American Indian studies departments when deciding which collections to pursue. A survey also was sent to all faculty early this spring to garner feedback and narrow down focus on what would have the greatest impact on students.

The new American Indian Histories and Cultures collection includes art and written work from the culture’s earliest contact with European settlers.

There is also a collection called Race Relations in America, which was an institute that investigated racial conflict and documented the fight for civil rights. It includes speeches, reports, surveys and analyses produced by the department and institute participants, including Charles S. Johnson and Thurgood Marshall.

“Actively working to center the experiences of those who have been excluded, marginalized and harmed through our shared history is essential to building CSUSM’s library collections and furthering CSUSM’s social justice mission,” Magnuson said. “CSUSM’s library collections need to represent the research interests and experiences of our students and faculty, all of whom have a right to see themselves and their communities represented when they do research with CSUSM library resources. It is critical for libraries to intentionally collect and preserve histories and narratives of people who have been excluded and marginalized from dominant culture, so that researchers can use them to surface and amplify voices that otherwise may not be heard.”

A dedicated group determined to provide impactful resources, the library also is planning community and campus oral history projects focused on campus community voices. A deep dive of the library’s print book collection also will occur to establish gaps to be filled.

A university library has long been a place for learning, a place to revisit the past to create a better future. Like bees pollinating to positively impact our environment, the new collections are expected to inspire learners to take their newfound knowledge from the CSUSM library and spread it into the world.

The pay-it-forward arena always has available seats.

“The library does not exist in a vacuum, inured to the structural inequities and systemic oppression that impacts Black, Indigenous and People of Color,” Nataraj said. “Our collections are organic, and library staff and faculty constantly update them to reflect the changing sensibilities of the world around us, including developing our materials to be more representative and anti-racist, addressing instances of racist language in our collections and catalog records, and analyzing our print collections to fill gaps. 

“Being anti-racist is a collective responsibility on the CSUSM campus. Since the collections directly support the teaching mission of the university, the library also commits to creating co-curricular programming for the campus community on anti-racism, systemic oppression and similar topics.”

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Now more commonly referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, the month-long celebration has origins that date back more than 100 years. By 1990, President George H.W. Bush officially designated November as Native American Heritage Month.

For Cal State San Marcos, the month holds special significance.

The university has long-standing partnerships with local tribal communities and continues to lead the way in advocacy and educational equity efforts. Cal State San Marcos has the largest per capita number of American Indian students in the 23-campus CSU system, and is the only one to experience consistent grow. CSUSM was the first to establish a Native Advisory Council, the first to hire a full-time tribal liaison, the first to create a guaranteed admission pathway for American Indian students, and in 2011 opened the first-of-its-kind California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC), which is focused on collaborative research and cultural preservation. 

In 2019, the CICSC and American Indian Studies department, in partnership with Palomar College and the Southern California Tribal Chairman's Association, established a comprehensive Land Acknowledgement toolkit to encourage academic communities to recognize the original nations on whose land we live, learn and work.

Cal State San Marcos invites the campus community to honor Native American Heritage Month through a series of special events.

Story Time Under the Stars
Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m., Serenity Circle (outside of SBSB)

Join CSUSM American Indian studies lecturer Stan Rodriguez (Kumeyaay-Iipay) for a storytelling session. Rodriguez recently was appointed to the California Native American Heritage Commission by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Vision Maker Media Online Screening and Virtual Panel
Nov. 11, 4 p.m.

Join Vision Maker Media for a Veterans Day virtual panel titled “Returning Home Through Togetherness: What Does It Mean to Be a Warrior?” Native veterans of warrior societies will talk about their roles and responsibilities as providers and defenders of their tribe, community and culture.

‘Reservation Dogs’ Marathon
Nov. 12, all day, SBSB 1118

From co-creators and executive producers Sterling Harjo and Taika Waititi, “Reservation Dogs” is a half-hour comedy on Hulu that follows the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma. The show is a breakthrough in representation in that every writer, director and series regular on the show is Indigenous.

Rock Your Mocs
Nov. 14-20

Established 2011, Rock Your Mocs is a worldwide Native American and Indigenous peoples virtual unity event held annually in November. During Rock Your Mocs, people wear their moccasins, take a photo, create a video or story, add the hashtag #ROCKYOURMOCS and upload to social media to celebrate tribal individuality.

CICSC 10th Anniversary Reception
Nov. 17, 6 p.m., SBSB 1118

Join the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center as it celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its doors opening in 2011.

‘The Thanksgiving Play’
Nov. 17-20, 7 p.m., Arts 111

Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month. Tickets start at $8 and can be purchased here.

Media Contact

Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist

bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

-- Dr. Joely Proudfit

Dr. Joely Proudfit minces no words in describing her mission advocating for American Indians.

“My American Indian culture and identity is central to my being, work and research,” said Proudfit, Chair and Professor in the American Indian Studies Department and Director of the California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center at Cal State San Marcos.

Proudfit is a descendant of the Pechanga band of Luiseño Indians and was drawn to CSUSM because it is the traditional homeland of the Payómkowishum. She is among the nation’s leading champions of Native American education and was appointed by former President Barack Obama to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education.

“We must bring American Indians out of the history books and stereotypical media portrayals and into the contemporary context,” she said. “I want to elevate the authentic presentation of American Indians in the mass media.”

Proudfit is the co-president and co-founder of The Native Networkers, which consults with the entertainment industries in fostering authentic representation of Native Americans. She and her partner, film director Chris Eyre, recently worked with director Scott Cooper and actor Christian Bale on the upcoming film “Hostiles.”

Proudfit is especially proud of CSUSM’s role.

“We are home to numerous one-of-a-kind events, programs and publications such as California’s American Indian & Indigenous Film Festival, the State of American Indian & Alaska Native Education in California Report, and the annual Tribal Education Summit, to name just a few things that separate CSUSM from the rest,” she said.

“We are the leaders in the area because President Karen Haynes has chosen to implement a tribal initiative driven by the tribal peoples and nations of the region.”

“I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to serve our country,” said President Obama. “They bring their years of experience and expertise to the Administration, and I look forward to working with them.”

Proudfit, chair of the Department of American Indian Studies and director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at CSUSM, will serve on the council, which was established under the Indian Education Act of 1972. The council is tasked with advising the Secretary of Education and Congress on the administration and funding of Alaska Native and American Indian education programs.

“We are very proud of Dr. Proudfit’s appointment to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education,” said CSUSM President Karen Haynes. “She has been a champion educator and scholar. Her research and work have been integral to our university’s efforts to address the serious challenges facing American Indian students, and we are proud to have the highest per-capita number, and the only increasing number, of American Indian students in the 23-campus CSU system. Furthermore, her work as the founding director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, in collaboration with our Tribal Liaison, has nurtured transformational relationships with tribal partners in our efforts to increase the educational access and success of American Indian students in our region.”

In his announcement on Friday, President Obama appointed six other individuals to key Administration posts, including:

• David Benton – Member, Arctic Research Commission
• Phyliss J. Anderson – Member, National Advisory Council on Indian Education
• Mandy Broaddus – Member, National Advisory Council on Indian Education
• Dahkota Kicking Bear Brown – Member, National Advisory Council on Indian Education
• Robert O. Carr – Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council
• Keith T. Parker – Member, National Infrastructure Advisory Council

“I am honored to accept President Obama's appointment to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education,” said Proudfit. “California is home to more than 110 American Indian tribes and thousands of American Indian/Alaska Native youth and it is time to acknowledge the daunting challenges facing them as we preserve our heritage and honor our traditions through commitments to the cultural values—responsibility, reciprocity, respect and relationships— that define us.”