Baldwin Park High School has established a partnership with the Pala Band of Mission Indians, allowing the school to continue using the “Braves” name after receiving the Pala Tribe's letter of consent within the timeline established under California Assembly Bill 3074. The partnership marks the beginning of a collaboration focused on education, cultural awareness, and mutual respect.
Over the past year, Baldwin Park High School students, staff, administrators and district leadership conducted an extensive review of all options available under the law. The process included researching the legislation, reaching out to federally recognized tribes, and pursuing opportunities for partnership, ultimately leading to a relationship with the Pala Band of Mission Indians (Pala Tribe). Through ongoing conversations, meetings and collaboration, those efforts culminated in the partnership announced today.
Founded more than 70 years ago, Baldwin Park High School has proudly been the “Braves” for generations of students, alumni, staff and families. The newly established partnership preserves that tradition while creating new opportunities to strengthen cultural understanding and build lasting relationships with the Pala Tribe.
"This partnership reflects the dedication and leadership of our students, who approached this process with tremendous pride, respect and a willingness to learn," Principal Deborah Madrigal said. "We are grateful to the Pala Band of Mission Indians for placing their trust in our school community. This is more than preserving the “Braves” name; it is the beginning of a meaningful partnership that will enrich the educational experience for our students for years to come."
While the partnership allows Baldwin Park High School to retain the “Braves” name, school and district leaders emphasized that the work is only beginning.
A collaborative group consisting of school and district administrators, students, community members and representatives from the Pala Tribe has met and continues to be in communication to guide implementation efforts and foster a lasting relationship.
Initiatives include reviewing imagery and branding to ensure respectful representation, integrating Native American history and perspectives into classroom instruction and reading materials, expanding educational opportunities and cultural celebrations, and creating ongoing opportunities for students to engage with tribal leaders and learn about Native cultures and traditions.
While Associated Student Body students previously unveiled the Bruins as a contingency mascot option to meet state timelines should tribal support not be secured, that alternative is no longer necessary due to receiving the Pala Tribe's official letter of consent.
Superintendent Dr. Froilan N. Mendoza said the partnership reflects Baldwin Park Unified’s commitment to honoring tradition while creating meaningful educational opportunities for students.
"We are proud to preserve an important part of Baldwin Park High School's identity while creating meaningful opportunities for our students to learn from, collaborate with and build lasting relationships with the Pala Band of Mission Indians," Mendoza said.
In the official letter of consent, representatives from the Pala Band of Mission Indians said they view the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen understanding between Tribal Nations and local schools.
"The Pala Band of Mission Indians believes that education, collaboration, and mutual respect are important foundations for strengthening relationships between Tribal Nations and local schools. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Baldwin Park High School and supporting opportunities that encourage learning and understanding."
The partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on education, cultural awareness and community engagement.
Photos
From left to right:
Dr. Angela Salazar, Baldwin Park Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement, Deborah Madrigal, Principal of Baldwin Park High School, Eric Ortega, Chris Nejo, and John A. Machado, representatives from the Pala Band of Mission Indians pose for a group photo together in front of Baldwin Park High School.
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See Baldwin Park High School's Message from Principal Madrigal here: https://www.bpbraves.net/apps/news/article/2210310