Native American and Pacific Islander Resources
The Native American Resource and Pacific Islander Resource Room, located in the Cross Cultural Center (J-8) on our Rocklin Campus, offers a variety of programs, services and resources to support and create a community for students who identify as Native American.
In an effort to build camaraderie and promote your student success at AVѧԺ and beyond, we can help you get connected through academic enrichment, mentorship, clubs, activities, financial aid and much more.
Wonoti Program
The Wonoti Program at AVѧԺ is open to all students and is specifically designed to increase the retention and success rates of Native American and Pacific Islander/Polynesian students.
Wonoti (a Southern Maidu word meaning “to cause to grow”) is a community dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences and opportunities of Native American and Pacific Islander/Polynesian students.
The Wonoti Program is informed by an indigenous worldview that seeks to emphasize tribal/village values and ethics. Wonoti was designed to educate the students in the program holistically (mentally, physically, and spiritually) while also educating the campus community about the aboriginal peoples of this land.
Benefits
- Strong support system and personal attention by counselors and instructors
- Peer mentor tutoring
- Cultural workshops and community/campus field trips
- Mentorship with Tribal Liaison and other faculty/staff and community members
How to Apply
Fill out the Wonoti Program Interest Form.
To learn more, email the Wonoti Program at wonoti@sierracollege.edu.
Where to Meet Your Peers
Native American and Pacific Islander Club (NAPI)
Our club promotes and advocates greater awareness and presence of Native Americans and Pacific Islanders at AVѧԺ. We meet weekly each semester with the goal of exposing members to cultural, educational and social opportunities. We hold the Annual AVѧԺ Big Time and Indigenous Peoples’ Days Events, participate in community activities, attend conferences and offer educational presentations. Additionally, we invite artists, activists and scholars from the Native American community to speak at our campus.
Student Clubs
Student clubs are great opportunities to develop interests and socialize. A few clubs at Rocklin and Nevada County campuses include:
- Environmentally Concerned Organization of Students
- Political Science Club
- Writers & Editors Association Club
- Art Club
- And lots more!
Student Engagement Centers
The Student Engagement Centers (SECs) offer intersectional programs and services that include but are not limited to cross cultural, LGBTQ+, and gender identities with historically marginalized, underserved, and underrepresented student-scholars. The SECs, which serve as brave spaces across our campuses and surrounding communities, provide student employment, leadership opportunities, and co-curricular programming that advance equity and inclusion of all student-scholars.
Find CommUnity at AVѧԺ
CommUnity provides intentional focus on the success of Black and African American, Latinx, Native American, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and Asian American Students. The foundation of our mission is building community and fostering relationships with you. We are committed to honoring you where you are and providing timely support for you to accomplish your academic, career, and personal goals.
Make an Appointment with a CommUnity Counselor
To make an appointment, log on to Sierra Connect via and click on the CommUnity tile. The tile will highlight our CommUnity Counselors who are here to support you.
CommUnity Counseling Hours
- The Village/Umoja (Room J-8): Wednesdays, 11am –12pm
- Unidos (Room J-8): Tuesdays, 11:30am–12:30pm
- Wonoti (Room J-8): Wednesdays, 12pm–2pm
- Pride (Room J-2): 12:30pm–2pm
Meet Your Support Team
Commitment to Community
Native American-Focused Classes
Consider registering for one or more of these class offerings at AVѧԺ to learn more about your Native American roots, including the people, history tribal nations, languages, and cultural, artistic and social practices.
| Department | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | Native Peoples of North America | |
| Anthropology | Native Peoples of California | |
| History | Native American History | |
| Ethnic Studies | Introduction to Native American Studies | |
| Ethnic Studies | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | |
| Ethnic Studies | Federal Indian Law and Policy | |
| Ethnic Studies | Ethnic Images in Film |
Community Resources
Health Services, Advocacy and Prevention
Educational and Cultural Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Workforce Development
Land Acknowledgements
Rocklin Campus
With respect, we acknowledge the Rocklin Campus of AVѧԺ as the traditional and unceded land of the Nisenan and Miwok peoples. The Secret Ravine, known in Nisenan as Hoyok, is home to an ancestral village site protected for generations by local tribal nations and their members. AVѧԺ commits to an ongoing relationship with the United Auburn Indian Community and other local tribes, and to respect the legacy of the first peoples of this land and their future generations who are an integral part of the AVѧԺ community.
Nevada County Campus
With respect, we acknowledge the Nevada County Campus of AVѧԺ as the traditional and unceded homelands of the Nisenan peoples. For countless generations, the Nisenan have carried out their responsibility as stewards of this place originally known as Daspah. AVѧԺ commits to an ongoing relationship with the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe and their future generations who are an integral part of the AVѧԺ community.
Tahoe-Truckee Campus
With respect, we acknowledge the Tahoe-Truckee Campus of AVѧԺ as the traditional and unceded land of the Wasiiw peoples. Before there was a town of Truckee the Wasiiw called the place “k′ubüna detdéyi” and the river is called “Awaku wata.” The tribe is still connected to place and maintains active involvement with the Town of Truckee and the surrounding landscapes. AVѧԺ commits to an ongoing relationship with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada California and other local tribes, and to respect the legacy of the first peoples of this land and their future generations who are an integral part of the AVѧԺ community.
Get In Touch
Melissa Leal
Wonoti/Native American Resource Room
Building J, Room 8-F
Wonoti Counseling Hours: Wednesdays, 12pm–2pm