Even with the rain threatening to spoil the fun, the Native American Student Union successfully proceeded with the Native American Gathering.

Wither students were there to sample tacos or watch the drummers; people that passed by the gathering couldn't help but to look at the colorful displays and cheery atmosphere.

"This was one of our better events," said Campus Life Coordinator Phil Sanders.

To put on this type of event, it requires, not only the student body's help but also the efforts of tribal members to make it as authentic as possible. Students might be surprised to hear that this event is truly a local event.

"Local Native American tribes from Shingle Springs who are located in El Dorado County are here helping to put on this event," said Co-Director for Center for Teaching and Learning Keith Atwater.

Many Native Americans are proud of their heritage and want to be as supportive as possible to people within the tribe. By providing services specifically tailed to that segment of the population, it allows for the member to continue having balance between their culture expectations and with mainstream culture. To continue to reach out, different services come to the gathering in hopes of letting more people know about their services.

"We want to have more services to help people get back on their feet," said Francisco Martinez, who is part of the Washoe Tribe. "This program is designed with our beliefs in mind."

Other services are designed to help people that do not live in the more populated areas have access to services that they need.

"Many of our services are tailored to help tribal members that live out in the rural areas," said Lenora Starr, a Tobacco Education

Specialist. "These programs are individualized for each person that we work with."

Even health care can be a challenge for some people as they might be poor and not have access to quality healthcare such as medical, dental, behavior, and drug and alcohol treatments.

"That is why we are here," said Violet Garcia, a representative with the Sacramento Native American Health Center. "We have a sliding scale for all of our services."

While looking around at the different services, the courtyard was filled with wonderful sound of drummers and chanting and a raffle to help raise money for the Native American Student Union. The prizes were made up of different tribal memorabilia.

"It will only cost you a dollar," said Michael Keller, a Native American Student Union Representative stated with a smile.