Autobiography

TOM GAMBOA

Served in the Marine Corps from 1960 to 1970. Served in Vietnam and was awarded various combat decorations.

While enrolled at San Diego State University was a member of the Native American Student Alliance (NASA) which was affiliated with the American Indian Movement.

Currently in an All But Dissertation status in Social Psychology (Sociology) Emphasis on Race and Ethnic Relations.

Currently Coordinator of the Cross-Cultural Studies Department at Grossmont College. Teach the following classes:

CCS-130 & CCS-131 Native American History I and II

CCS-132 Native American Lifestyles and Spirituality

CCS-115 Cross Cultural Awareness

CCS-114 Sociology of Minority Group Relations

In my capacity as the Coordinator of this program have developed a Tribal Gaming and Culture Policies Degree, which will greatly assist in employment of many of our non-gaming tribal members and non-Indian Grossmont College students.

Have conducted workshops on Developing Cultural Awareness and Native American Culture throughout the USA and at Concordia University in Canada.

Was awarded the Innovator of the Year Award at Grossmont College (2004). Also a Certificate of Recognition by the State Legislature as the Innovator of the Year.

Since 1988 have held a Pow Wow at our college to expose all students to Native culture.

Have been a member of the Golden State Gourd Society for 32 years and have been Head Gourd Dancer and Arena Director at various Pow Wows.

Member of the Council of American Indian Organizations in San Diego County and on the Board of Directors of the American Indian Movement San Diego Chapter.

I am very active in our Native community throughout Indian Country. My main objective here in the San Diego area is to assist all Native people, both urban and reservation, to acquire a higher education. I am also very involved in educating non-native people and organizations about our native community. If there was one pressing commitment which I would defend at all costs is any threat to our sovereignty. My belief is that the Indian battles are not over, we just have new battlefields which are now the courts, our battle strategy is education and our new weapons will be Diplomas.

PICTURES:

A BLAST FROM THE PAST - WHEN I WAS IN THE MARINE CORPS

ME NOW

MY SON DURING HIS ROCK DAYS

 OF COURSE I WOULD INCLUDE THIS PICTURE