Fresno Unified School District
American Indian Seniors and Programming
Class of 2026
Join us in honoring our senior students during the Fresno Unified Native American Senior Recognition Ceremony being held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The RSVP form includes options for senior graduates, their families and friends, Fresno Unified Employees, and Community Members.
Location: Bullard High School Theater
Address: 5445 N. Palm Ave. Fresno, CA 93704
Agenda:
- Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
- Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
- Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Contact Amber.Esquivel@fresnounified.org
AB 1248 is a California state law that is part of our California Education Code, adding section 35183.1 relating to pupils. This law protects the rights of all students to express their culture, customs, and practices at their graduation ceremonies.
Know Your Rights: Tribal Regalia
Class of 2025
Join us for the Native American Graduation Recognition Ceremony held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Bullard High School Theatre from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The RSVP form includes senior graduates, the graduate family and friends, Fresno Unified Employees, and Community Members options.
5445 N. Palm Ave., Fresno, CA 93704
Agenda:
Guest arrive by 4:30 p.m.
Ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m.
Dinner ready by 6:00 p.m.
Join us for our Graduation Cap Beading Workshops offered for tribal students who are seniors and juniors. Workshops are held at 2011 Fresno St. Fresno, CA 93721.
American Indian Senior Recognition Ceremony 2024
The district's inaugural Senior Recognition Ceremony for our Native American students took place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Bullard High School's theatre. The ceremony was attended by 7 of our Seniors who have reached this milestone in their educational journey and completed High School. The Ceremony was opened with a Land Acknowledgement by Michelle Lira (American Indian Community/School Liaison) and an elder message by the Honorable Ron W. Goode (Tribal Chairman of the North Fork Mono tribe). As part of the ceremony, the NMC Drum Circle welcomed the Seniors into the theatre with an honor song and closed the ceremony with a drum circle. In attendance were families of all our Senior students, tribal members, senior FUSD staff, and all our community members. We look forward to the next ceremony in 2025.
Native American Heritage Month 2023
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s American Indian Education program, in cooperation with the Nüümü Yadoha Language Program at Owens Valley Career Development Center, Fresno, organized a Abalone Necklace making session at the FUSD Ed Center on November 15, 2023. The event was attended by over 100 staff who created necklaces inspired by Native American designs. We thank our colleagues who participated and a special thanks to the OVCDC Nüümü Yadoha Language Program.
Story Time with Auntie
Fresno Unified’s American Indian Education Program partnered with the Nuumu Yadaha Language Program to provide monthly virtual language and storytime sessions for our district students, families, and local surrounding tribes, (Big Sandy, Cold Springs, Hanford, Porterville, Tule River, and Visalia). The storybooks aim to promote Native American culture, identity, and traditions. At the end of each session, families and students can share a word in their own tribal language and traditions that relates to each story, promoting cultural sharing. Families and students who participate receive a storybook of their own.
For more information, please contact Michelle Lira at Michelle.Lira@fresnounified.org or (559) 457-3949.
Visit this link the day of the event to participate. https://ovcd.webex.com/meet/rpicaso