Special Ceremony Recognizes 100 Native American Students for Academic Success Amid Low National Graduation Rates

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, University of California, Riverside, University of Redlands and California State University, San Bernardino honor graduates in a unique cultural ceremony, featuring a traditional hoop dance performed by a World Champion

HONORING

ACHIEVEMENT: The challenges encountered by Native American students are unique, both academically and socially. But the journey to overcome these challenges is one not traveled alone. To support the learning and success of local Native American students – from kindergarten to college graduation – the Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. Native American Resource Center is hosting the 8th annual Native American Student Recognition Dinner at the National Orange Show. This celebration is made possible through partnership with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and area schools including University of Redlands, University of California, Riverside (UCR), California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), Claremont Graduate University, Noli Indian School, San Bernardino City Unified School District and Banning Unified School District. Joshua Gonzales, director of Native American Student Programs at UCR, will serve as the event’s emcee.

The highlight of the evening is the special celebratory entertainment that commemorates Native traditions. Terry Goedel, who has been performing the Native American Hoop Dance for over 45 years and is a seven-time World Hoop Dance Champion, will perform a traditional hoop dance with his daughter. In addition, the Bearspring Dance Group will perform a pow wow exhibition dance.

More than 400 people are expected to attend, including San Manuel Tribal members, local dignitaries, parents, educators and graduating seniors.

LOCATION: NATIONAL ORANGE SHOW – RENAISSANCE ROOM 930 South Arrowhead Avenue, Gate 9 • San Bernardino, CA 92408

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 8, 2019 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MEDIA INTERVIEWS/VISUALS:    

*Traditions: Speak with tribal educators and leaders about the culmination of the Native American and educational partnership to support Native American student’s education.

*Honor: San Manuel Tribal members and representatives will commemorate the success of parents and students working together. Interview opportunities with educators, resource program managers and university administrators.

*Rejoice: Celebrate the hard work of the 2019 Native American graduates. Interview opportunity with graduating seniors.

*Dance: Photo/video opportunity of seven-time World Hoop Dance Champion Terry Goedel and pow wow exhibition dancing from Bearspring Dance Group.

About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

The San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians is a federally recognized American Indian tribe located near the city of Highland, Calif. The Serrano Indians are the indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys and mountains who share a common language and culture. The San Manuel reservation was established in 1891 and recognized as a sovereign nation with the right of self-government. As an indigenous community the origins and history of the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians stem from our relationship with the land and to all who share it. Since ancient times we have expressed ourselves through a culture of giving. Today, San Manuel is able to answer the call of Yawa’ (Serrano word meaning “to act on one’s beliefs”) through partnerships with charitable organizations. We have drawn upon our history, knowledge, expertise and cultural values to direct our philanthropic giving in our local region, as well as to Native American causes nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.