Tribal Initiatives
The University Student Union (USU) recognizes and acknowledges the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, the First People of this ancestral and unceded land base of the village of Sesevenga that is occupied by our institution. We are committed to uplifting Tribal Nations through current and future initiatives.
Highlighting Our Original Stewards Piece
Highlighting Our Original Stewards is a collaborative project dedicated to honoring the knowledge, resilience and strength of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI), a native sovereign nation of Northern Los Angeles County. Through a curated installation with the FTBMI in the University Student Union (USU) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), this installation pays tribute to the Tribe and their historic Tribal Captain Rogerio Rocha.
Funded by a CSUN Diversity, Equity, and Innovation Grant, the project was led by faculty members Mirna Troncoso-Sawyer (Health Sciences Department & Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing) and Kristin King (Interior Design Program, Family and Consumer Sciences Department), along with USU staff member Condor (USU Oasis Wellness Center). It reflects the collective efforts of Tribe, campus partners and generations of students, fostering a deeper appreciation for the original stewards of this land.
In alignment with CSUN’s commitment to healing, inclusion and well-being, this installation creates a space that bridges the past, present and future—inviting engagement, reflection and meditation. With the ongoing support of the USU, both the installation and its accompanying webpage will continue to provide students, faculty, staff and community members opportunities to learn about and connect with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, the First People of this ancestral and unceded land of the village of Sesevenga, upon which our institution stands.