Tachi Palace Casino Resort

The Tachi Yokut Tribe has donated $3 million to the West Hills Community College Foundation to create a Native American studies program at West Hills College Lemoore.

College officials said the endowment and partnership with the tribe behind Tachi Palace Casino Resort signify a commitment to education, cultural preservation and community enrichment.

“Comprehensive” and “groundbreaking” were words used by college officials to describe the Native American studies program, delving into the rich history, traditions and contemporary issues of Native American communities, according to a news release.

“We are elated to embark on this journey to create a Native American studies program that not only celebrates the heritage of the Tachi Yokut Tribe but also enriches the lives of all our students,” said West Hills College Lemoore President James Preston. “This endowment reinforces our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity, and we are excited to build bridges between our college and the Native American communities we serve.”

More details about how and when the program would be created were not available Friday.

 “We believe that education is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and dialogue,” said Tachi Palace Director of Marketing Rojelio Morales. This initiative aligns with our values of community, heritage and progress. By investing in this program, we hope to inspire future generations and facilitate meaningful exchanges between cultures.”