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nairc iconNative American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration

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The Native American and Indigenous Resource Center (NAIRC) cordially invites you to participate in the Native American and Indigenous Recoginition Celebration which will take place Friday, May 8th, 2026, 2:30pm-4:30pm at California State University, Fullerton. This ceremony serves as part of the many Cultural Recognition Celebrations hosted by Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers (DIRC). This event centers the unique experiences, contributions, and cultural legacies of Native American and Indigenous students while honoring the collective strength, perseverance, and brilliance of all who have completed their academic journeys.

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2026 Native American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration Registration

The Native American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration ceremony will take place Friday, May 8th, 2026 and will honor students graduating in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. During the ceremony, students will receive a stole as they make their way across the stage. There is no cost to attend for participating students or their guests. Only registered students will be able to participate in the ceremony and receive a stole.

This ceremony serves as part of the many Cultural Recognition Celebrations hosted by Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers (DIRC) and recognizes the accomplishments of graduating Native American and Indigenous students. 

Friday, May 8, 2026

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Golleher Alumni House, 800 N State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 90803

Registration is Open!

CSUF Cultural Recognition Celebrations are voluntary and open to all graduating students who would like to participate, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin

About The Ceremony

Registration

Due to limited capacity, the number of participants in the ceremony is limited. Registered students will receive an email to confirm their participation.

The cultural recognition celebration will consist of a processional, remarks from university officials and selected student speaker, reading of students’ names, and recessional. Each students’ name will be called, and they will have the opportunity to make their way across the stage and receive their stole.

Guests

Loved ones are integral parts of the collegiate journeys of students. In addition to celebrating the student participants at the ceremony, we are also honoring and celebrating the family and friends who have supported and stood alongside the students . Each registered student participant may bring up to [insert #] to the ceremony with them. Please indicate the exact number of guests you will be bringing on the confirmation form.

Attire

Student Participants should NOT wear their full CSUF regalia (cap and gown) to the ceremony. Students participating in the ceremony will receive their graduation stole as they make their way across the stage when their name is called.

Parking

[INSERT PARKING INFORMATION HERE]

Additional Questions

Please visit the DIRC Cultural Recognition page for answers to general questions or contact nairc@fullerton.edu .

Graduation Blankets

Blanketing ceremonies are a time-honored tradition practiced across many American Indian, Native American, and Indigenous Nations to mark significant life moments such as graduations, weddings, and transitions. While each Nation carries its own teachings and protocols, the act of blanketing is widely understood as a powerful expression of honor, care, and collective pride. When a blanket is draped over someone's shoulders, it symbolizes the community coming together to wrap that individual in love, protection, and respect. It is both a gift and a ceremony that is witnessed, remembered, and carried forward.

Within Native and Indigenous communities, education has always been central to our ways of life. Long before colonial institutions, knowledge was passed through elders, families, language, and land-based teachings. The boarding school era violently disrupted these systems, creating generations of loss and disconnection from culture, family, and traditional learning. Today, our presence in educational spaces and our celebration of graduation represents not only individual achievement, but collective resilience, survival, and cultural continuance. A blanketing ceremony honors that journey and acknowledges the many hands, ancestors, and sacrifices that made it possible.

In contemporary graduation ceremonies, blanketing has become a meaningful way to recognize Native and Indigenous graduates in a manner that is culturally grounded and deeply personal. Each blanket tells a story through its colors, patterns, materials, and the artist who created it. Blankets are designed by Indigenous artists and sourced from Native-owned businesses, ensuring that the tradition supports living cultures and creative economies. Graduates often select blankets that reflect their tribal identity, values, family connections, or aspects of themselves they carry proudly into the future. In this way, no two ceremonies and no two blankets are ever the same.

More than a keepsake, the blanket is meant to be used. It provides warmth on cold nights, comfort in moments of uncertainty, and a tangible reminder of belonging. As graduates step into new chapters of their lives, the blanket serves as a grounding presence and as a reminder of who they are, where they come from, and the community that stands behind them. Continuing the tradition of blanketing at our graduations and special events is one way we affirm Native and Indigenous presence, resist assimilation, and celebrate the beauty, strength, and continuity of our cultures. It is an honor to witness and uphold this tradition together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am unable to attend the Native American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration and I would like to still wear the stole to my Academic graduation. Am I able to register for the cultural recognition celebration just to get the stole?

A: If you are unable, or do not want to participate in the ceremony but want to wear the stole for your academic ceremonies, you do not need to register for the Native American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration to receive a stole. Stoles will be available for purchase at Titan Shops during Commencement season. Please visit the Titan Shops website to purchase the stole.

Q: What will the stole look like? What will be the color etc?

A: [insert info about stole]

Q: What will be the timeline of the event when I am called on stage? (will I be called on stage?)

A: Students participating in Native American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration will listen to staff, faculty, and student speakers. Students will receive their graduation stole as they make their way across the graduation stage when their name is called.

Q: If I am on a waitlist when/how will I be notified if I can participate?

A: If you are on the waitlist, you will be notified no later than [insert date] if you can participate.

Q: How long will the ceremony last?

A: Native American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration will be from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, approximately 2 hours.

Q: What will the attire be?

A: Students participating in Native American and Indigenous Recognition Celebration SHOULD NOT wear their full CSUF regalia (cap and gown).  Students will receive their graduation stole as they make their way across the graduation stage when their name is called.

Q: How many tickets can I receive for my guests?

A: Each registered student participant may bring up to [#INSERT NUMBER] guests to the ceremony with them.

Q: Will parking be provided for the day of the ceremony?

A: [INSERT PARKING INFORMATION]

Q: What is the cost to participate in the ceremony?

A: There is no cost to attend for participating students or their guests.

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