Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2024

Page 12 Desert Charities News – www .desertcharities.com • www.dcnnews.com January/February/March 2024 www.lotusgardencenter.net Contact us at 760.404.1949 or lotusgardencenter@gmail.com or www.lotusgardencenter.net . Or visit us at 45350 San Luis Rey, Palm Desert, CA. Stunning Flower Arrangements for Every Occasion, Dramatic Plants and Exotic Pots AD_Lotus Garden_BH Mag 2016.indd 1 7/28/16 4:39 PM w ww.willierm.c om www. eight4nine.com www.1 501uptown.com 3 Restaurants Unlimited Flavors Proudly Supporting and Serving Our Community 1501 t n.com 760-320-1501 ei ine.com 760-325-8490 illiesrm.com 760-202-4499 The Gathering celebrated student perseverance, honored U.S. Veterans, and welcomed the first 300 guests with complimentary Indian Tacos. As the sidewalk dazzled the pathway with American Indian and Indigenous merchandise, the evening was filled with traditional song, dance, and cultural activities under the glorious desert sunset. Storytelling from respected elders, a fashion show by a Native American designer, and the joy of Cahuilla Bingo also took place. This Gathering is held annually on the first Saturday in November and is open to the public. CINC has been honored to partner with Southern California Edison (SCE) for the past two years of its production, and is eternally grateful that SCE acknowledges, embraces, and supports the positive impact of American Indian culture in education. CINC is chartered by Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, and recognizes the generous support from University California, Riverside, and College of the Desert. Surpassing the national average, CINC boasts a 59.5% one-year retention rate and a 76.2% course completion rate, with over 81% tribal representation in student population. CINC truly aims to close the achievement gap through its mission to educate, strengthen, and empower all students in a culturally responsive institution at zero cost. In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, California Indian Nations College (CINC) held its annual Gathering Under the Stars on November 4, 2023. Commencing with traditional blessings, greetings were in Native tongue as gratitude for support in the pursuit of becoming the first accredited tribal college (in decades) was expressed. Gathering Under the Stars for Native American Heritage