OAKHURST — The Yosemite Unified School District is entering into a three-year curriculum development agreement with the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California.
Cultural Preservation
The new three-year curriculum development agreement was ratified during the YUSD Board of Trustees meeting on March 13th. It replaces the previous system of annual renewals. This long-term commitment ensures that students can complete a full four-year Chukchansi language course by the time they graduate.
Yosemite Unified School District Superintendent, Brian Beck.
Superintendent Brian Beck expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We are honored to establish this long-term agreement as part of our commitment to preserving the Chukchansi culture and teaching the language to the next generation of learners,” he said.
Beck continues, “It is a privilege to work directly with our educators and the Tribal Council to implement and maintain a program that reflects and supports our diverse student community.”
Educational Enhancement
The initiative to teach the Chukchansi language began three years ago. Since then, it has been significantly shaped by the YUSD teacher and Chukchansi tribal member Kim Lawhon. Consequently, Lawhon has been pivotal in the instructional design of the program, which will now receive funding support from the Tribal Council.
This funding will facilitate continued collaboration between Lawhon, the Chukchansi Tribe, and Fresno State University. Their joint effort aims to enhance the curriculum at Coarsegold Elementary and Yosemite High School. As a result, this ensures it remains academically rigorous and culturally relevant.
Kim Lawhon shared her satisfaction with the project.
“Working alongside the tribe and Fresno State to develop this program has been a true highlight of my career,” said Lawhon. “It’s deeply rewarding to be part of this important work and to help bring the Chukchansi language to life for our students.”
The agreement will take effect on July 1st, 2025. For more details about YUSD’s Chukchansi language program or the Board of Trustees, visit the YUSD website.
Yosemite Unified School District
