Cal State San Bernardino will host a ribbon cutting to the university’s First People’s Center dedicated to supporting the academic achievement and personal success of indigenous students, while celebrating their traditional heritage.

The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the Cross Cultural Center ( SU-102) of the university’s Santos Manuel Student Union.

First People, also known as American Indians, Alaska natives and native Hawaiians, are considered sovereign nations from their first interactions with European settlers.

The First People’s Center will be 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 will provide a welcoming, diverse and culturally sensitive environment to all of CSUSB’s student body.

The center’s goals are to:

  • Create innovative learning-centered opportunities to develop students into becoming leaders in global society;
  • Provide support to First People students at Cal State San Bernardino;
  • Provide information on current issues pertaining to the First People;
  • Provide cultural awareness; and
  • Serve as a resource to the campus community on First People culture and issues.

The FPC is the second such center among the colleges and universities in the Inland Empire. It will encompass various programs from sister CSU campuses to cater to the needs and serve as an additional resource to the First People students as well as all CSUSB students.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-50076 and visit  news.csusb.edu.