Cultural Awareness Conference

Since 1999, the San Manuel Tribal Unity and Cultural Awareness Program, partnering with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, California State University San Bernardino and the California Superintendent of Public Instruction, conducts the highly successful California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference at CSUSB. During the week-long event, students and teachers learn about the histories, cultures and governments of the California Indian nations from tribal elders, leaders and academics. Every year, thousands of students have watched as tribal elders share their skills at weaving intricately coiled baskets, leaching acorns for food and creating a variety of different shaped pottery vessels. The conference culminates on the fourth Friday of September in celebration of California Native American Day.