• MSJC
• Native American Student Support and Success Program

Mission Statement

The Native American Student Support & Success Program (NASSSP) is focused on serving Native American students at Mt. San Jacinto College. NASSSP supports students in their academic, social, leadership and cultural development. NASSSP creates a home away from home environment for students and provides a community that will support them from their first year of college to their graduation. 

Land Acknowledgement

The unceded land on which Mt. San Jacinto College is situated on is the traditional territory of the Payómkawichum (“Luiseño”) and Cahuilla peoples. We recognize that every member of Mt. San Jacinto College has, and continues to benefit from, the use and occupation of that land since the institution’s founding in 1963.   

 As a college, we are striving, imperfectly, toward being an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community; therefore, we have a responsibility to make the institution’s relationship to the present-day indigenous people across the entire Mt. San Jacinto Community College district, visible.​   

Mt. San Jacinto College acknowledges the Payómkawichum (“Luiseño”) peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Western Riverside County and northwestern San Diego County as it is defined by Payómkawichum oral tradition.      

•  The Payómkawichum Nation recognizes their place of Creation at 'Éxva Teméeku since time immemorial.    
• This is where Tamáayawut created the world and everything that surrounds us. 
• Their first people, the Káamalam were born at 'Éxva Teméeku. 
• The 'Atáaxum, which means “people” in their language, were born at 'Éxva Teméeku and in time the 'Atáaxum lived throughout the lands created by Tamáayawut; what they identify as their traditional homeland.
• Today, the Payómkawichum Nation continues to thrive and is recognized as a sovereign nation in relationship with the United States and the State of California.    
• The Payómkawichum (“Luiseño”) Nation is represented by: La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians; Pala Band of Mission Indians; Pauma Band of Luiseño Mission Indians of the Pauma & Yuima Reservation; Pechanga Band of Indians of the Pechanga Reservation; Rincon Band of Luiseño Mission Indians of the Rincon Reservation; and the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.  
• The reservations of the Payómkawichum Nation are now within San Diego and Riverside Counties.    

 With gratitude and respect, we pledge to honor our commitment to all the indigenous people whose traditional lands we use

Services

Join the Indigenous Peoples Club!

Upcoming Events

Fall 2024

Resources

• Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land
• sacredpath.org
• Home - Take My Hand

Contact Us

Hello/ Haku My name is Cuauhtli T. Ramos. I am a citizen of the Tejon Indian Tribe. I am the Native American Student Support & Success Program Coordinator here at MSJC. I got my degree from the University of California Riverside in Native American Studies. I am passionate about helping Native people reach their goals. Some things I am interested in including Tribal Food sovereignty, hiking, and biking. I look forward to working with you all.

Cuauhtli Ramos, NASSSP Coordinator
curamos@msjc.edu | (951) 487-3557

Hello, my name is Liliana Castro, I am a Counselor at Mt. San Jacinto College, Menifee Valley Campus and a proud MSJC alumna. When I began my academic journey at MSJC, it was rough start but with the right resources I was able to earn my associate's degree in Liberal Arts Social and Behavioral Sciences. I transferred to the University of California, Riverside and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Ethnic Studies. I went on to earn a master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Redlands. I became a counselor because someone believed in me and was always encouraging me to be my best self. Becoming a counselor was an opportunity to give back to my community and future generations. I really enjoy helping students reach their academic and career goals.

Liliana Castro, Counselor
licastro@msjc.edu | (951) 639-5263

Hello Eagles, my name is Yvonne and I am a Student Success Navigator for the Native American Student Support & Success Program. As a MSJC Navigator I am able to assist you with the matriculation process, such as registering for courses or navigating different MSJC platforms. I can also support you by providing resources, assisting you with scheduling an appointment with a counselor, and addressing any questions you may have, so that you obtain your educational goals and can succeed at MSJC.

Yvonne Urias, Navigator
yurias@msjc.edu | (951) 639-5264