Title VI - Native American Education – State and Federal Programs

San Jacinto Unified School District is situated on the traditional territories of

the Payómkawichum (“Luiseño”) and Cahuilla peoples.

The following is excerpted from “San Jacinto High School Graduation Land Acknowledgement”

by Rhonda Valenzuella, 5/10/24.

Míiyuyam(me-you-yum)/Hello - Luiseño

Míyaxwen(Me-yah-q-wen)/Hello - Cahuilla

With deep reverence and respect, we recognize the ancestral territory of the

Payómkawichum; the Luiseño and Cahuilla people who have stewarded the San

Jacinto Valley since time immemorial. Their rich history, traditions, and connection

to this land remind us of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the

diverse cultures that shape this community.

Today, we take a step towards healing and reconciliation by recognizing the Luiseño

and Cahuilla people and their enduring presence here in this valley.

We honor this land with gratitude and express our sincere appreciation to the First

Peoples who have cared for the land that we are all gathered on here today. As

they have cared for this land all throughout history.

No$úun Lóoviq/‘Áchama’/Thank you.

Pronunciations

Míiyuyam (me-you-yum) - Hello (to more than one person, Luiseño)

Míyaxwen (Me-yah-q-wen) - Hello (to more than one person, Cahuilla)

Payómkawichum (pie-YOOm-ka-wee-chum) - People of the West (Luiseño/Cahuilla people)

No$úun (no-shOOn) Lóoviq (LOOw-vick) – Thank you/My heart is good (Luiseño)

‘Áchama’ (aa-cha-ma) Thank you or good (Cahuilla)

Luiseño (Lu-is-en-yo)

Cahuilla (Ka-wee-ya)

What is Title VI?

Purpose of the EASIE Title VI Program:

The Indian Education Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies(Formula Grants) program provides grants to support local educational agencies (LEAs), Indian Tribes and Indian Organizations, and other eligible entities in developing elementary and secondary school programs that serve Native American/American Indian students.

Who qualifies for Title VI Services?

In order for the students to be part of the program they have to be Native American and fill out an ED 506 Form Indian Student Eligibility Certification Form for Title VI:

Native American/Indian under the ED 506 Form, defines an individual who is:

(1) A member of an Indian Tribe or Band, as membership is defined by the Indian Tribe or Band, including any Tribe or Band terminated since 1940, and any Tribe or Band recognized by the State in which the Tribe or Band resides;

(2) A descendant of a parent or grandparent who meets the requirements described in paragraph (1) of this definition;

(a) Considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose;

(b) other Alaska Native; or

(c) A member of an organized Indian group that received a grant under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as it was in effect on October 19, 1994.

How does a student apply for Title VI Services?

Please fill out the ED 506 Form (English) and either email back to [email protected] or return to your student's school front office.

3 Objectives for Title VI within SJUSD for Native Youth

Increase School Readiness.
Increase School Attendance Rate.
Increase Graduation Rate.

Title VI grant provides increased support, programs, and services to our Native American students and aims at increasing: knowledge of cultural identity and awareness, academic achievement, school attendance rate, graduation rates, college enrollment and college/career activities, and parent and community involvement. The objective of the program is to monitor the student's academic progress and foster parent/community engagement. We work with counselors and teachers to support students while checking in with families. We work to make sure students have overall academic success. Title VI work is achieved at SJUSD with Tribal consultation alongside our Tribal partners and Native Families.

Actions:

Gathering of the People

Native American Parent Advisory Council

Four Directions Club Support

Native American Art and Writing Contest

Student/Family Check-ins

Native American Parent Advisory Council (NAPAC)

Native American Parent Advisory Council flier

Be part of the movement by joining our Native American Parent Advisory Council meetings! Join our meetings to share input and guide our Native youth program at SJUSD. See you at the next meeting on November 4th, 2025 from 5:30 pm - 7 pm. Location: SJHS Library.

Join us for our Gathering of the People!

Gathering of the People Flier- Fancy Shawl Dancer on tan background

Gathering of the People '25.pdf

2025 Vendor Form- Gathering of the People

Native American Art & Writing Contest Now Open!

The Native Art and Writing Contest is now open to take submissions! This is open to students of all cultural backgrounds, grades K-12.

Theme: Guardians of Traditions. This can celebrate Native American individuals who are preserving culture - whether it's a family member, community leader or famous Native figure. Be as creative as you’d like!

Deadline: November 14th, 2024

Submit work to your school's front office.

Questions: Delia @ 951-929-7700 ext. 5087 email: [email protected]

Check out the flier and FAQ page for more information.

Reading Challenge for Title VI students!

Reading Log- September

Reading Challenge Instructions!

Reading Log Reading Challenge:

Have your students read 15-20 minutes each night and have them fill out this reading log for a chance to be recognized. Depending on the grade on reading level, parents/caregivers can also read with/to the students. This is open to students K-12. We want to encourage all students to be proficient readers and discover new books. An extra challenge is to read Native books. Bonus challenge reach out to your school librarians for Native Books.

If you do not have physical books here are some read-aloud videos that can count toward your reading log: 2022 Indigenous Voices: Authentic Children's Literature in the Classroom Library

Any questions, please reach Delia Vazquez, Native/Title VI Liaison at 951-929-7700 ext. 4286.

Once completed, please return the log back to the Native Liaison or your site front office.