Indian Nations College Achieves Inaugural Accreditation

California Indian Nations College Achieves Inaugural 8-Year Accreditation

PALM DESERT — California Indian Nations College announced Thursday it has been awarded an 8-year accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, marking a significant milestone in the College’s mission to provide culturally responsive curriculum to Native and non-Native students.

You may  read the official letter here: https://ukenreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Townsend-Letter.pdf

California Indian Nations College has reached a historic milestone securing recognition and expanding educational opportunities for students while strengthening its role within the higher education community. This achievement follows years of rigorous self-evaluation, sustained community engagement, and intentional institutional development, placing CINC among regionally accredited institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges affirms CINC’s adherence to standards of academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement, while enhancing its capacity to broaden academic offerings and strengthen partnerships advancing student achievement, opportunity, and long-term success.

“This moment reflects the resilience of our ancestors, the unwavering dedication of our students, staff, and faculty; and the steadfast support of our Tribal communities, non-tribal communities and our legislators who walk beside us in a shared vision for the future of American Indian education,” said President Celeste Townsend. “Together, we are not only advancing higher learning, but we are honoring the knowledge, traditions, and strength our ancestors carried before us. Reaching this milestone opens greater opportunities for our students and strengthens the pathways leading to their success, leadership, and service to their Nations and communities.”
California Indian Nations College was chartered by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians in 2017 with a vision to address higher educational access and opportunities with a culturally responsive approach as California is home to one of the largest Native American populations in the United States. Twenty-Nine’s Chairman Darrell Mike shared, “The CINC team has been the tip of the spear for our Native students and we invite all Tribal nations to take part in CINC’s ongoing and historic achievement.”

Additional Accolades:
“My congratulations to California Indian Nations College students, faculty and administration for achieving a historic milestone! The forward momentum continues as it is the first tribal college in almost 30 years to earn initial federal accreditation for a full eight-year term. The path to accreditation is arduous, but CINC has demonstrated it can meet the challenge. It is unconscionable that California, the state with the greatest number of Native Americans, has no Indian College; and now we do. This is a tremendous achievement, a long time coming!”
~Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino)

“CINC’s accreditation is a historic achievement and a powerful testament to what tribal leadership can accomplish when given the support and respect it deserves. Becoming the first accredited tribal college in California opens new doors for Native students and strengthens the future of higher education across our state. I am honored to have supported this effort and proud to stand with CINC as it reaches this milestone.”
~Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio)

“It is deeply gratifying to see CINC achieve full accreditation. I have been honored to support this effort from its inception—first as Superintendent/President of College of the Desert when CINC began, and later as board chair following my retirement. This milestone reflects the extraordinary work of CINC’s staff, faculty, students, board members, and the many tribal and non-tribal elected leaders who came together to make this vision a reality. CINC now stands as California’s only fully accredited Tribal College, ensuring access to higher education that honors and serves Native communities for generations to come.”
~Joel L. Kinnamon, Ed.D.
“Congratulations