Mission
The CICSC fosters collaborative research and community service relationships between the faculty, staff, and students of CSU San Marcos and members of Tribal communities, for the purpose of developing and conducting research projects that support the maintenance of sovereignty and culture within those communities.
Core Values
Responsibility
To support political and economic development, education, health and wellness, media and film, language preservation, and natural resource management.
Reciprocity
To reinforce collaborative research fostering indigenous research methods
Respect
To champion sovereignty and cultural preservation
Relationships
To create and sustain communication between tribes and scholars
About Us
Welcome to the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, a harmonious enclave that serves as your home away from home. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us any day of the week, where you’ll discover an abundance of resources meticulously crafted to guide you along your academic journey.
Our center emanates a tranquil and conducive atmosphere, designed for students seeking a serene space to study and engage in critical research. Here, we foster an environment that not only facilitates personal social mobility but also encourages collaboration with faculty, staff, and Tribal nations and communities, collectively contributing to the support of Tribal sovereignty and culture.
As you step into our cozy lobby, you’ll find a welcoming space for students to gather, converse, and immerse themselves in collaborative learning. Additionally, our workstation, equipped with computers, stands ready to aid you in your academic pursuits.
But beyond the physical amenities and academic resources, our center thrives as a vibrant community. Every day, fellow students are here, offering a helping hand, forging mentorships, nurturing long-lasting friendships, and engaging in enriching student life activities. Here, every interaction is a step towards building a stronger, more connected community.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the enriching experiences, join in the camaraderie, and actively participate in the community, all while advancing research and supporting Tribal sovereignty and culture. At the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, you’re not just a student; you’re a valued member of a community that feels like a second home.
Join us, and let’s create a better future together!
Meet our Student Research Assistants
Kiara Flores | American Indian Studies
- BioMiyaxwe/ Hello, My name is Kiara Love Flores and I come to you from the Pala Indian Reservation in Southern California. I am Kuupangaxwichem/ Cupeno and Northern Ute. In my twenty years of life, I have been dancing since I’ve learned to walk. These styles include the Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, and Bird Dancing all taught to me by my Mother. Dancing has always had the biggest impact on my life and has led me to the path I am on now. I am soon to receive my Bachelors in Native Studies with a concentration in Arts & Humanities. Working closely with Native communities has always been a part of me, especially with bringing light to Native issues like Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Native Education, and Native Erasure within education. Ichaam/ Thank You.
- Favorite Spot on CampusSBSB 1118
- Dream JobWorking with Native communities.
- Favorite Summer ActivityThe Powwow Trail
Hometown Stilwell, Oklahoma
Tribal Affiliation Cherokee
Year on Campus Third Year Transfer
Best Memory at CSUSM Joining AISA and meeting all the students involved, and Storytime with Stan.
Justin Littledeer | Political Science, Minor- American Indian Studies
- BioI am a Cherokee from the Oklahoma Bands, a Marine Corps Veteran, I am married to my wife Aubrie and we have a dog named Apollo, a cat named Kitty, and a home in Oceanside.
- Favorite Spot on CampusCICSC
- Dream JobAttorney
- Favorite Summer ActivityGoing to concerts
Hometown Pala Reservation
Tribal Affiliation Pala Band of Mission Indians (Kuupangaxwichem)
Year on Campus Sophomore
Best Memory at CSUSM Bowling with AISA
Lanise Luna | Biology
- Bio
My name is Lanise Luna, I am from the Pala Band of Mission Indians (Kuupangaxwichem). I am AISA’s social media person. I love all things ocean related and am always beading on my free time and recently turned it into my own business.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobMarine Biologist
- Favorite Summer ActivityBeading and Painting
Hometown Hemet, CA
Year on Campus Sophomore
Best Memory at CSUSM Learning how to bead for the first time
Emely Morales | Literature & Writing Studies
- BioI am a first gen Mexican woman who prices herself in her creative spirit, open minded attitude, and love for learning.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The trail by the gym because of the wild flowers and frogs in the spring.
- Dream JobTo be a writer and an English Professor
- Favorite Summer ActivityHanging out with my friends and doing crafts.
Hometown San Ysabel, CA
Tribal Affiliation Iipay Kumeyaay
Year on Campus Junior
Best Memory at CSUSM Bowling with AISA
Aiden Valverde | American Indian Studies
- Bio
I love working with animals and supporting conservation! I plan to go into the Fish and Wildlife service.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobPark Ranger
- Favorite Summer ActivitySwimming
Hometown Temecula, CA
Tribal Affiliation Navajo
Year on Campus First year
Best Memory at CSUSM Visiting the nearby cat cafe
Alden Redhouse | Criminology and Justice
- BioBorn in Albuquerque New Mexico in 2004, I am Alden or Shaandiin. I am apart of the Navajo Tribe on my father's side and became involved with the CICSC to learn more about my culture and to help out other Tribal Communities! I am currently a first-year student at CSUSM, and I intend to graduate in Spring 2027 with a major in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Despite my focus on university, I also have heavy priority on my flight school! I currently attend Flight School at French Valley Airport and plan to get my Private Pilot's License. I plan to become a Commercial Pilot with my degree at university and with my experience in flying. Outside of university and my flight school, I often spend time going out with friends, doing archery as a hobby, and writing.
- Favorite Spot on CampusLibrary or the CICSC
- Dream JobCommercial Pilot
- Favorite Summer ActivityVisiting friends across the states
Hometown La Jolla Reservation
Tribal Affiliation Luiseno, Kumeyaay, Diné, and Oglala Lakota
Year on Campus Fifth Year
Best Memory at CSUSM Going to Knotts Scary Farm
Ethan Wolfe | Kinesiology
- BioI like to play video games, listen to music, and box.
- Favorite Spot on CampusCICSC
- Dream JobDoctor
- Favorite Summer ActivityPlaying in a basketball tournament
Hometown Murrieta, CA
Tribal Affiliation Navajo
Year on Campus. Fith, Senior Year
Best Memory at CSUSM Starting up the Electrical Engineering Club and making friends with the members
Ian Anderson | Electrical Engineering
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe courtyard in front of the Markstein building with the benches
- Dream JobWorking as an electrical engineer in the city
- Favorite Summer ActivityMountain biking and playing games with friends
Hometown Murrieta, CA
Tribal Affiliation Navajo
Year on Campus 3rd Year Transfer Student
Best Memory at CSUSM Joining AISA and making lots of friends!
Miah Anderson | Kineseology Movement Science
- Bio
Hello! My name is Miah Anderson and I am a 3rd year student who transferred to CSUSM fall 2023! I am a Kinesiology Movement Science major and I plan to be a physical therapist! In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, playing games, and hanging out with friends! I also enjoy crafts and watching movies or shows!
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC or the grassy area by SBSB.
- Dream JobPhysical Therapist!
- Favorite Summer ActivityRiding jetskis at Lake Powell!
Hometown Downey, CA
Year on Campus Fifth Year
Best Memory at CSUSM . Meeting my roommates and becoming friends with them!
Katrina Tomas | Liberal Studies
- BioI am a Liberal Studies major in year 5. I like hanging out with my friends.
- Favorite Spot on CampusCampus Coffee
- Dream JobActress
- Favorite Summer ActivityGoing to the lake with family and concerts!
Hometown Banning, CA
Tribal Affiliation Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Year on Campus Sophomore
Best Memory at CSUSM Joining AISA
Canaan Tubby | Business
- BioMy name is Canaan Tubby and I am a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. I like to hang out with my friends and practice Jiu-Jitsu.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobPresient of the United States
- Favorite Summer ActivityPlaying stickball
Hometown Campo, CA
Tribal Affiliation Kumeyaay
Year on Campus Junior
Best Memory at CSUSM Bird dancing at the research symposium
Alexandra Valle | Kinesiology
- BioShe is studying kinesiology in hopes to pursue a career in physical therapy, or to become a sports physician. She currently works as a research assistant for the American Indian Studies Department at CSU San Marcos. Alexandra is majorly involved within her community both in and outside of her academic life. She still partakes in traditional skills such as bird dancing, beading, and the hand game Peon.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobPhysical Therapist
- Favorite Summer ActivityGoing to Gatherings
Hometown Odessa, TX
Tribal Affiliation Chiricahua Apache & Mexica
Year on Campus 4th Year
Best Memory at CSUSM Karaoke in the center with the other students, singing our heart out to Neon Moon.
Isaiah Chantaca | Social Science
- BioMy family comes from all over the place! Born in Odessa, Texas, and raised in many places like North Carolina, Arizona, Michigan, and here in California. I am Chiricahua Apache, Mexica, and Mexican. I am the oldest of five and take care of my siblings whenever I am home. I love to cook, hang out at the beach, bead in
my spare time, and listen to music. - Favorite Spot on CampusCICSC
- Dream jobTherapist with my own practice, including some animal therapy
- Favorite Summer ActivityGoing to the beach listening to the waves break and sleeping on the beach
Hometown Banning, CA
Tribal Affiliation Morongo Indian Reservation & Torrez Martinez
Year on Campus First Year
Best Memory at CSUSM Meeting all my friends in AISA and finding my community.
Jaylee Martin | Communications
- BioMy name is Jaylee Martin I'm from the Morongo Indian Reservation and Torres Martinez Reservation. I love listening to music, swimming, and spending time with my friends.
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe CICSC
- Dream JobPublic Relations manager
- Favorite Summer ActvitySwimming