CSUB has been making efforts to provide more recognition and support for this population of students through the creation of the IFSA and the student coalition, which have launched several native-focused events on campus, including an Indigenous People’s Day celebration and an elder appreciation event.
The commencement ceremony and these other events go a long way in helping native and indigenous students feel more welcomed and supported on campus, according to Contreras.
“All these events are something to be proud of, something for other native students to see,” she said. “It’s important for students to be able to identify with other students, to feel like they are seen and heard. That has to happen if we want more native students to come to CSUB.”
Since transferring to CSUB in 2021, Soren said she’s seen a renewed commitment to acknowledging native students such as herself.
“I feel like CSUB has come a long way in recognizing native and indigenous students. They’ve been doing a great job,” she said. “I’m really proud of what’s been done here. I hope the momentum doesn’t go away and they continue doing these things.”
Soren said being a member of the Native and Indigenous Student Coalition on campus has also helped her reconnect with her ancestral roots.
Soren and her immediate family have been separated from the Cherokee Nation — the largest tribe in the U.S. — ever since one of her grandmothers wasn’t enrolled in the tribe. Soren said she grew up without many cultural traditions passed down to her.
After joining the student coalition at CSUB, however, Soren began researching native history as well as her own family history. That led her to begin encouraging her family that it was time to reconnect with the tribe.
The family is now part of the Cherokee Community of Central California, which is an official satellite community of the Cherokee Nation.
“I was able to learn a lot through the club. They connected me with people in the community who have helped me learn and grow and participate in these cultural traditions,” Soren said. “I’m hoping other students will not be afraid to reconnect. It’s never too late to learn about their history.”
Soren was excited to participate in Wednesday’s commencement ceremony, not only because she is the first in her family to complete college but also because it gave her an opportunity to celebrate her heritage.
“It means a lot, especially to be here as a reconnecting person,” she said. “I want the other students to be proud of who they are and to feel they are welcome here and needed here. I feel the graduation ceremony proves that because it recognizes their achievement, their success.”
Soren already has a few ideas on her next steps after graduation, including pursuing a career in graphic design or going for her master’s in journalism.
“This is a huge moment for me. I’m excited for my future,” she said. “I’m excited to see where life takes me. I think the future is bright.”
Click here for more information about the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Association. Those interested in joining or learning more about the Native and Indigenous Student Coalition should visit its CSUB webpage.