Tribal Communities

About Tribal Communities Initiatives

Since California State University San Marcos' inception in 1989, the University has built a history of engaging the local American Indian population, in fact, this history dates back to 1987 as a satellite campus of San Diego State University.  However, a truly formalized relationship with local tribes did not occur until Karen S. Haynes became President in February, 2004.  Within her first three years she:

• Appointed a Tribal Liaison in September 2004
• Approved the formation of a Tribal Communities Initiatives Task Force in September, 2004 -- comprised of administrators, staff and faculty from across colleges and disciplines engaged in and with tribal communities
• Established a Native Advisory Council in October, 2005, comprised of representatives from most neighboring tribes and tribal education leaders
• Signed a memorandum of understanding with the Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueño Indians in January, 2006 to help prepare their youth for higher education
• Brought "Tukwut" back to campus by dedicating the Tukwut Courtyard in March of 2007
• Increased Indian student enrollment from 59 in fall 2004 to 84 in fall 2006

Many other significant initiatives have been launched since 2004 and infrastructure is in place to continue working in a meaningful and respectful way with our indigenous neighbors.