As part of its “Beyond Gold: Stories Across Cultures” program, the college welcomed the public on March 5, 2026, to a presentation examining Me-Wuk and California Native American identity. Hosted at the Columbia College Library in Sonora, the free event reflected a broader shift in higher education: one that centers Indigenous perspectives, honors lived experience, and recognizes enduring connections to place rather than relegating them to the margins of California’s Gold Rush story.
Led by Stephanie Beaver-Guzman, Ed.D., an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe and tenured Columbia College and Modesto Jr. College faculty member, the event also featured Kyle Cox of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians.
Dr. Beaver-Guzman’s extensive background in Native American education, combined with
Mr. Cox’s leadership in cultural preservation and repatriation, illustrated how colleges
and tribal communities can work in tandem to deepen understanding and enrich curriculum.
Their discussion emphasized that meaningful education extends beyond textbooks into
active partnerships that safeguard sacred sites, restore cultural narratives, and
foster authentic student engagement.
Dr. Beaver-Guzman shared: “It is powerful to hear from Native Peoples instead of about them, especially when it comes to California History. This event created space for
our voices, which are usually left out of critical conversations.”
This series is a partnership with the Tuolumne County Historical Society, Con Amor:
Building Bridges, and the California State Parks.
