About

Land Acknowledgement

We should take a moment to acknowledge the land on which we are gathered. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands. 

Approved by Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

 

The California Tribal College is the first tribal college in the state

California has three-quarters of a million Native people, belonging to nearly 200 distinct Native tribes. Not only do the tribes need strong leaders and professionals with the needed skills to thrive, there is an urgent need to prevent Native peoples from sliding further into poverty.

Unfortunately, Native Americans are among the least represented in higher education in the state. Sustaining and strengthening age-old Native cultures requires education–making the work of the college truly necessary.

California is home to 12% of the Native peoples in the United States, it’s Native population is increasing and it suffers from a high unemployment rate. Specific to California, the median annual income for Native peoples is $46,900 which is 26% lower than the state median.

Educated Native peoples are critically needed to support their families and sustain their tribes for thousands of years to come. Apply today to study at California Tribal College! 

Join the Effort to Grow the California Tribal College

  • Adopt a tribal resolution to show that you understand the importance of educating future generations to have your community will be directly involved in the process
  • Designate a tribal delegate to have your community will be directly involved in the process
  • Sign up to be kept up to date on all of the developments with the California Tribal College
  • Find out more about our supporters

What We Have Achieved

With support from 64 California tribal governments and organizations, California Tribal College has laid the foundation generations to come. We have completed the following:

  • Conducted a multiyear, two-phase feasibility study to assess the need for California Tribal College and identify appropriate curricula
    Incorporated as a 501(c)(3)
  • Created and adopted bylaws
  • Elected College Officers and a Board of Regents
  • 251 students from over 60 tribes completed six Certificate Programs in Tribal Leadership and Governance including coursework on Federal Indian Law and Policy, Tribal Governance, and Native Culture and Preservation
  • Our community partners are growing! The most recent Native tribe to partner with the California Tribal College through a resolution of support is the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians

If you would like to support the development of the California Tribal College, visit our donations page or email info@californiatribalcollege.com or call 530.661.5767. We welcome all donations!

Declining Native Enrollment in California

From 2000 to 2019, the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in California increased 27.5%

-6%

In California, AI/AN college-going rate decreased 5.5% between 2014-2018

-11%

University of California overall enrollment increased 13% from 2015-2019, but AI/AN enrollment decreased 11%

-16%

California State University overall enrollment went up 1.6% from 2015-2019, but AI/AN enrollment decreased 15.5%

-60%

California Community College AI/AN enrollment decreased 60% from 1991-2017

Economics

8%

In 2017, American Indians had the highest unemployment rate in the United States at 7.8% compared to 4.4% overall.

-26%

In California, the median annual income for the AI/AN population is $46,900. 26% lower than the state median of $63,800.

Download Fact Sheet

Visit Our Campuses

We are partnering with California State University, Sacramento as we work towards full accreditation for on-campus and online learning for degree and certificate programs.

Today, we have three campus locations: Woodland, Lake County and Colusa.

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