Pala CA— The Pala Band of Mission Indians in Southern California joins education programs in ten states funded by the U.S. Department of Education selected to provide training programs to recruit and graduate American Indian teachers and administrators.
“This project aligns with tribal initiatives supporting youth.  By training our own educators using native ways of knowing, the curriculum is more relevant and more likely to be successful,” observed Chairman Smith.  “The data shows that the ratio of American Indian/Alaska Native students to American Indian teachers and administrators reflects a strong need in Southern California,” added project director Linda Warner.  “The “Grow Our Own” project represents an exceptional commitment on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and the Pala Band of Mission Indians to serve tribes in the region.”
The Pala Band of Mission Indians is partnering with the California State University San Marcos through the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center.  Dr. Joely Proudfit, Director of the Center noted, “The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center welcomes the opportunity to link teacher and administrator certification with our work to create pathways for our students.  The “Grow Our Own” Project is unique because it represents a true commitment to tribal sovereignty.  The Pala Band of Mission Indians’ leadership has been a strong supporter of our initiatives and we are pleased to join in this project.”
Applications for the project will be available online from the Pala Band of Mission Indians at www.palatribe.com or through the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center. The project supports certification for teachers and administrators.  For more information on how to apply, please contact: Linda Warner at lwarner@palatribe.com

About Pala Band of Mission Indians

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe whose reservation is located along the Palomar Mountain range approximately 30 miles northeast of San Diego. The majority of the over 900 tribal members live on the 12,000-acre reservation, established for Cupeño and Luiseño Indians, who consider themselves to be one proud people – Pala. www.palatribe.com

About California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center

The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center fosters collaborative research and community service relationships between the faculty, staff, and students of CSU San Marcos and members of local Tribal communities, for the purpose of developing and conducting research projects that support the maintenance of sovereignty and culture within those communities. www.csusm.edu/cicsc