EPISODE PLAYER
Education Insight: The California Indian Nations College in Riverside County – Building the Future of Native Education in California
About This Episode
Season 4. Episode 12.
In the latest episode of Education Insight, we take a closer look at the transformative journey of the California Indian Nations College and its pivotal role in advancing Native education. President Celeste Townsend shares the vision behind the college’s founding and its mission to integrate Indigenous knowledge, history, and values into its academic offerings while balancing mainstream academic standards. The discussion covers the unique challenge of teaching a curriculum that respects the diversity of regional tribes, fostering cultural pride and identity, and preparing students for success in a global workforce.
Listeners will also gain insights into how the college supports students’ mental health, considering the historical trauma faced by many Native communities. The episode highlights strategies for community engagement, partnerships with tribal governments, educational institutions, and private sectors, and the preservation of traditional languages and practices. President Townsend outlines her long-term vision for the college’s growth and how it aims to contribute to the broader movement for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Tune in to hear more about these impactful initiatives and the college’s commitment to empowering Native students.
Featured Guest
Celeste R. Townsend
Celeste Townsend is an enrolled citizen of the Guidutikad Numu Fort Bidwell Indian Community (northern California), and a descendent of the Shoshone-Paiute tribe, Duck Valley Indian Reservation (Owyhee, Nevada). With over 30 years’ experience in Indian education, she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Redlands (California). Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate from the University California, San Diego, aiming to graduate in 2025.
In 2015, Townsend was invited to participate in roundtable discussions on American Indian education, which channeled the creation of California Indian Nations College (CINC). Fall 2017, Founder Theresa Mike and Townsend presented a drafted charter to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Missions Indians. September 19, 2017, the charter was signed, marking the official induction of CINC. With a successful launch, Townsend was appointed as the inaugural President and continues to champion personalized services, supporting all students to become educated, strengthened, and empowered leaders.
Interview Highlights
3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.
7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.
8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.
9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE.
13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.
20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.
21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.
23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.
25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues.
32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond.
36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.
View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/
Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.
