Since 2017, the Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood (“Corning Promise”) initiative, led by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, has invested over $16 million in cradle-to-career solutions to support student success and community development in Corning and Rancho Tehama. Named for Everett Freeman, a revered Tribal leader who helped the Tribe regain federal recognition, this initiative has become a cornerstone of the Tribe’s commitment to empowering the region’s youth and families.
“Our community has always prioritized building opportunities that allow children and families to thrive,” said Chairman Brandin Paya of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. “The Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood operationalizes that vision on a larger scale, honoring Everett Freeman’s legacy by ensuring every child and family has access to education, wellness, and opportunity.”
Funded by two consecutive grants, the initiative emphasizes collaboration, bringing together schools, community organizations, and leaders to address systemic challenges. Its comprehensive solutions meet the physical, emotional, social, and academic needs of students. “As equal partners in the community, we’re working together to address complex issues,” Chairman Paya explained. “This initiative unites Tribal and regional partners toward the shared goal of becoming stronger and more resilient by combining resources, strengths, and perspectives.”
Reciprocity: A Pillar of Corning Promise
A key theme of the initiative is reciprocity—a bi-directional practice deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions. Through reciprocal collaboration, the Tribe and its partners have created initiatives that benefit the entire community.
- Supported early literacy in seven PreK programs, leading to significant growth.
- Expanded home visitation programs, providing early learning services to 30 additional children over four years.
- Funded core and supplemental K-12 school improvement efforts in English-language arts, reading, mathematics, dual enrollment, and Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
- Provided free school-based therapy services, delivering over 1,900 counseling sessions in the 2023-24 school year.
- Supported a community-based diversion program to redirect and improve outcomes for youth.
- Partnered with the City of Corning to expand recreation programs, growing from a single swimming program to over 40 diverse activities serving 1,200 participants annually.
- Supported cultural education efforts, including cataloging 200 Native American-authored books in Tehama County Library and collaborating on Native-inspired murals across Corning.
“These reciprocal practices demonstrate our shared values and strengthen the relationship between the Tribe and the broader community,” Chairman Paya shared. “They are instrumental in addressing educational gaps and creating spaces of inclusivity and understanding.”
Aligning with AB 1821
The passing of AB 1821, which requires Local Education Agencies to include Native American treatment and perspectives in social studies curriculums, underscores the significance of the Promise Neighborhood’s work. “Our efforts align closely with AB 1821,” said Chairman Paya. “Both frameworks emphasize reciprocity, creating shared spaces where mutual respect fosters stronger, more inclusive relationships. This legislation is an important step toward building respect and understanding in our communities.”
A Commitment to Sustainability
With state funding concluding this year, the Tribe remains dedicated to ensuring the initiative’s long-term success. “Sustainability is always a challenge for large-scale efforts, but our commitment to this work will not waver,” said Chairman Paya. “By working collaboratively with our partners, we will continue to ensure every student has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
As the Everett Freeman Promise Neighborhood continues to shape the community, the Tribe’s deep-rooted commitment to development remains steadfast. “Everett Freeman’s legacy reminds us of the power of resilience and collaboration,” reflected Chairman Paya. “Through this work, we honor his legacy and create a brighter future for our children and families.”