In early February, CSUSB’s First Peoples’ Center celebrated its second grand opening to formally receive a state Assembly resolution recognizing it and its work. State Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino, presented the framed resolution to the university.  “I truly believe that we not only have to respect each other, but we also have to take the time to understand one another, and to build spaces where we can do just that,” Reyes said. “These are the spaces I believe in — spaces that reflect and celebrate the dynamic diversity of our region. When our students are understood and included, they soar toward success.” Also in attendance was Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the tribe named after Santos Manuel, leader of the Yuhaaviatam or People of the Pines, in the late 1800s. The university’s student union also bears his name. “Those of us from Native American and indigenous communities know that we continue to do what we can in the face of significant challenges,” she said. “And one of those significant challenges is educating the general public and educating civic organizations about what we do and our culture. And that goes on across the country.  “However, as leaders of tribes and nations and education, we are convinced that by establishing important initiatives, like the First Peoples’ Center here at Cal State San Bernardino, that we are making progress in addressing these challenges with greater conviction than ever before,” Valbuena said. The First Peoples’ Center, which opened its doors in September 2017, is dedicated to the social and personal success of students with the support of staff, faculty and community members of local clans and cities. The center provides a welcoming, diverse and culturally sensitive environment to all of CSUSB’s student body.

Celebrating the opening of the CSUSB First Peoples' Center are Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and state Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino.