- Details
- By California Indian Nations College
On Friday, September 19, 2025, California Indian Nations College (CINC) will host its 3rd Annual Fire Gala at Agua Caliente Resort in Rancho Mirage. The Fire Gala is CINC’s signature fundraising event with all proceeds going directly to the College, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Fire Gala is more than a celebration, combining the symbolism of fire - life, community, and warmth. It serves as a powerful reminder of how community investment in Native American higher education drives Native student achievement.
With doors opening at 6:00 PM, the evening promises an inspiring blend of culture, community, and entertainment in support of a powerful cause. Guests will enjoy an elegant plated dinner alongside a spirited silent auction featuring handcrafted Native art, decadent gift baskets, and unique local experiences.
The evening’s headline entertainment will be the nationally acclaimed Native American comedian Jim Ruel of the Bay Mills Band of Ojibwe. Ruel, known for his appearance on Showtime’s Goin’ Native: The American Indian Comedy Slam, brings bold storytelling and heartfelt humor to the stage. His performance offers a joyful and meaningful reflection of Indigenous life and leadership, reminding audiences of the power of voice and representation.
Tickets and sponsorship packages are available now and early birds who reserve their tables will receive special pricing. Visit www.cincollege.org/firegala for additional information or contact the Gala team at [email protected].
The theme of this year’s Gala, Going for the Gold! honors the brilliance, perseverance, and potential of Native communities and students. It also reflects CINC’s determination to provide an exceptional academic experience that celebrates Indigenous knowledge and values. Funds raised from the event will directly support CINC students by expanding
access to essential academic services, growing Native-centered curricula, and sustaining progress toward accreditation.
Located in Palm Desert and chartered by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, California Indian Nations College is the first accredited California-based tribal college in decades, offering associate degrees in Arts & Humanities, Business & Technology, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. Each degree program’s design is grounded in the Native American perspective and culture.
By purchasing tickets, sponsoring, or encouraging others to attend this year’s Gala, you are not just supporting the College; you are strengthening generations. Join us on September 19 and fan the flames of opportunity, community, and Indigenous excellence!
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
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Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher