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Assemblymember James Ramos, D-Highland, member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe and the first California-born Native American elected to the state Assembly, visited Cal State San Bernardino to share a few words for the Native American Heritage Month closing ceremony on Nov. 29.

Ramos, a CSUSB alumnus, and bird singers from Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians gathered in front of the Santos Manuel Student Union North, named after Ramos’ great-great grandfather, to celebrate the month with traditional singing and dancing.  

Each November, CSUSB celebrates Native American Heritage with thoughtful, insightful and representative activities, events and guest speakers structured to provide a safe place for Native American students, staff, faculty and surrounding communities to continue to have their voices heard and perspectives felt across campus. This month is significant to the CSUSB community because it is a time to reflect on the past and to pay respect to Native American history, traditions and culture. This year’s theme echoed last year’s: “Decolonizing Across Communities.”

Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian bird singers
Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian bird singers
Assemblymember James Ramos performing with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian bird singers
Assemblymember James Ramos performing with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian bird singers
Molly Springer (Cherokee Nation/Osage), associate vice president of student success and educational equity in the Division of Student Affairs
Molly Springer (Cherokee Nation/Osage), associate vice president of student success and educational equity in the Division of Student Affairs, and Carlos Two Bears Gonzales (Gabrielino Tongva and Mexica), First Peoples’ Center coordinator.
obert Levi Jr. (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians), elder/culture bearer in-residence.
Robert Levi Jr. (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians), elder/culture bearer in-residence.