New Signers include Civil Rights organizations, including CHIRLA, LULAC, and the Miguel Contreras Foundation
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation continues to gain momentum on its efforts to secure federal recognition. The Tribe announced today that it has earned support from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and the Miguel Contreras Foundation, who recently signed letters calling on congress to formally recognize the Tribe.
Support from these organizations follows the introduction of H.R. 6859, the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation Recognition Act, introduced by Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) in December. H.R. 6859 will extend federal recognition to the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, delivering education, employment, and healthcare opportunities to the First Angelenos.
“The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation has survived in the face of centuries of hardship, but we are committed to preserving our heritage,” said Gabrielino/Tongva Chairwoman Sandonne Goad. “We are deeply appreciative of CHIRLA, LULAC, and the Miguel Contreras Foundation for stepping up in support of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation’s federal recognition. For generations, our tribe has been wrongly denied recognition, despite our formative connections to the LA region. We are proud to stand alongside social justice advocates and leaders to ensure the survival of our people and culture.”
“By standing alongside the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation in support of its bid for federal recognition, we are sending a clear message to congress: act now,” said CHIRLA’s Executive Director, Angelica Salas. “The longstanding marginalization of indigenous nations and communities of color is antithetical to the promises of our country, and the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation’s recognition would signal that our leaders are serious about delivering liberty and justice for all.”
“On behalf of LULAC, I urge Congress to finally extend federal recognition to the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation,” said Domingo Garcia, LULAC’s Executive Director. “The Gabrielino/Tongva people have endured generational cultural and identity challenge and it is past time for the U.S. government to honor its promise first made more than 130 years ago.”
For more information on the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation and its longstanding fight for justice and recognition, visit gabrielinotongva.org.
The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation is the aboriginal tribe of the Los Angeles Basin and the true First Angelenos. Their traditional homelands encompassed Los Angeles County and the islands of Santa Catalina, San Nicholas, San Clemente, and Santa Barbara, from Topanga Canyon to Laguna Beach and from the San Gabriel Mountains to the sea. The Tribe has been recognized by the State of California, The California General Assembly, and the City Council of Los Angeles. It is long past time for the federal government to extend formal recognition.
Why Federal Acknowledgement Matters
Even though the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation’s people are the first true Angelenos, they are not federally recognized. The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation is, however, recognized by the State of California, the California General Assembly, and the City of Los Angeles.
Federal recognition is crucial for the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation because it will allow the tribe to have a government-to-government relationship with the United States, have inherent rights of self-government, and importantly, access to the extensive benefits provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Gabrielino/Tongva Nation sovereignty will help correct a historic injustice and preserve our culture for generations to come.
