California Indian Manpower Consortium, Inc.

CIMC was invited to participate in the partnership sessions of the second annual Tribal Energy & Climate Collaborative (TECC) Summit, held on July 16, 2025, in Pala, California. This Summit provided an opportunity for TECC's partners to connect and build relationships with representatives from the 25 Tribes that are part of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association and TECC. During the event, CIMC Executive Director Dr. Lorenda T. Sanchez presented information on the new CIMC initiative, Accelerating Tribal EV Charging Infrastructure, Planning, and Workforce Development.

This project launched in June 2025 and is in partnership with Ecology Action and the Bishop Paiute Tribe. Funding is provided by the California Energy Commission.

- posted July 24, 2025

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In partnership with the Native Wellness Institute and the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria, the CIMC Elders Program convened a Wellness and Healing Gathering in Loleta, California, on July 8-10, 2025. More than 60 individuals, mostly elders, had the opportunity to experience three days of Indigenous wisdom with humor, while exploring topics such as forgiveness, grief and loss, mobility challenges, and sobriety. Cultural sharing included dance demonstrations and traditional food.

- posted July 24, 2025

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The CIMC Elevate Youth California Project made it possible for approximately 50 youth from throughout California to attend the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) Conference in San Diego, CA, on June 27-July 1, 2025. This year’s conference theme, “Voices of H.O.P.E.” centers on youth using their voices and leadership to create positive change in their communities through meaningful discussions and action to promote positive mental health and substance abuse prevention efforts. H.O.P.E stands for Native youth engaging in Heartfelt Conversations, Open Dialogue, Promoting Resources, and Encouraging Change. 

- posted July 24, 2025

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Mr. Paul Arnold, a member of the CIMC Board of Directors began his journey on June 24, 2025. Paul joined the Board as a representative of the CIMC Chicago Geographic Service Area in March 2024. He was also a 2015 graduate of the CIMC Native Entrepreneur Training Program, which contributed to his success in business. Paul served as the Chair and CIMC Delegate for the American Indian Health Service of Chicago, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois.
Paul was a valued part of the CIMC Family, and he will be greatly missed.

- posted July 24, 2025

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As part of the State of California's Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) Trusted Messenger Network, CIMC was recognized at the OCPSC 2025 From Connection to Action Trusted Messenger Convening, held May 7-8, 2025, in Sacramento, California. OCPSC provided a Certificate of Recognition to CIMC for its dedication to delivering culturally resonant information to drive meaningful change and build a stronger, healthier California.

In addition, CIMC Informing Native Communities Project staff attended the convening with Ms. Dinezbaa Smiley, CIMC Trusted Messenger Network Specialist, participating as a panelist in the Strategic Community Engagement panel, one of six panels presented during the convening.

- posted May 14, 2025

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Dr. Lorenda T. Sanchez, CIMC Executive Director, recently became a member of the National Visiting Committee for the National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center. Dr. Sanchez actively participated in the National Visiting Committee's Annual Meeting on March 4-5, 2025 in Palm Springs, California.

The National Visiting Committee acts as an independent review body to the Center leadership by assessing its programs, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending strategies to enhance the quality and effectiveness of cybersecurity workforce development initiatives, all while ensuring alignment with national cybersecurity needs and best practices.

- posted March 6, 2025

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The CIMC Elders Program organized a four-day caregiver training at the Pala Indian Reservation from December 9 to December 12, 2024. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the role of caregivers, consumer rights, mental and physical health, the aging process, observation and reporting, environmental safety, infection control with universal precautions, and personal care. Speakers provided valuable information on brain health, dementia, and elder abuse within tribal communities. Additionally, the Pala Fire Department offered First Aid and CPR training. A total of 21 Native caregivers successfully completed the course.

- posted December 16, 2024

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CIMC held the 46th Annual Membership Meeting at the Pala Casino Spa Resort in Pala, California on November 1-2, 2024. This meeting was a time for members and other attendees to receive information and celebrate CIMC's accomplishments during the past program year.

The annual event began with informational session on Preventing Medicare Fraud, presented by California Health Adovocates.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr.Gary Richard, Chair of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California & Toyon-Wintu Center, and a member of the US Department of Labor Native American Employment and Training Council.

Board Member Mr. Shelia Smith-Lopez was recogonized for 15 years of service. Ms. June Nachor and Mr. Robert H. Smith was each selected as an Outstanding Board Member for Program Year 2023. A number of staff members were recognized for various years of service. Member tribes and organizations received recognition for their years of CIMC membership. The San Jacinto Geographic Service Area was selected as the Outstanding GSA for Program Year 2023 and 29 members were named Outstanding Members for Program Year 2023.

- posted November 20, 2024

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Gabrielle Mills, WD Coordinator III & Cheyenne Tex with son

Cheyenne Tex & Dr. Lorenda T. Sanchez, Executive Director

Ms. Cheyenne Tex from the from the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, nominated by the CIMC Fresno Field Office, received one of four 2024 Outstanding Participant awards at the 44th National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference. The annual event was held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando Florida on May 13-17, 2024.

- posted May 22, 2024

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