MEMBER NEWS: Tachi Yokut Tribe donates $3M to West Hills College Lemoore

Robert Jeff (left), vice chairman of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Tribe, and West Hills College Lemoore President James Preston discuss the local tribe’s 3 million gift.

Tachi Yokut Tribe will establish Native American Studies Program

The Tachi Yokut Tribe has donated $3 million to the West Hills Community College Foundation that will establish a comprehensive Native American studies program at West Hills College Lemoore, a member of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium.

This “monumental and historic partnership” endowment signifies a commitment to education, cultural preservation and community enrichment, demonstrating the power of collaboration between the Tachi Yokut Tribe and West Hills College Lemoore, the college said in its announcement of the gift Aug 17.

The groundbreaking Native American studies program will delve into the rich history, traditions, and contemporary issues of Native American communities.

West Hills College Lemoore President James Preston said this program will provide students with an invaluable opportunity to engage deeply with the region’s cultural heritage, fostering understanding, respect and awareness.

“We are elated to embark on this journey to create a Native American studies program that not only celebrates the heritage of the Tachi Yokut Tribe but also enriches the lives of all our students,” President Preston said. “This endowment reinforces our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity, and we are excited to build bridges between our college and the Native American communities we serve.”

Rojelio Morales, director of Marketing at Tachi Palace, said the Tachi Yokut Tribe is honored to contribute to establishing the Native American studies program at the nearby college.

“We believe that education is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and dialogue,” Morales said. “This initiative aligns with our values of community, heritage and progress. By investing in this program, we hope to inspire future generations and facilitate meaningful exchanges between cultures.”

The Native American Studies program will engage students in academic exploration and extend its reach to the wider community through events, seminars and cultural activities, the college said in its announcement.

“West Hills College Lemoore looks forward to collaborating with the Tachi Yokut Tribe and other stakeholders to ensure the success and growth of this transformative endeavor,” the announcement said.

Media inquiries: Amber Myrick, district director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Information for the West Hills Community College District at  ambermyrick@whccd.edu  (559.934.2132).

See the WHCCD press release.