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TELL CONGRESS: IT’S TIME TO RIGHT THE WRONGS OF HISTORY

Marginalized communities like ours have learned to survive with tenacity in the face of prejudice, a strong commitment to our cultural heritage, and a deeply-held resolve to endure.

We are resilient, working everyday to heal ancestral wounds and preserve our cultural heritage. But without Federal Recognition, we cannot truly thrive.

Federal Recognition will allow us to reclaim our identity, and give our tribe the full rights and privileges of a Sovereign Nation. After years of injustice, we will be able to:

  • Reclaim and bring home our tribal artifacts and ancestors’ remains.
  • Freely practice our religious traditions without risk.
  • Secure scholarships reserved for Native Americans.
  • Sell our traditional crafts without penalty.
  • Access Indian health clinics and Indian Affairs programs.
  • Drive our economic independence.

Your voice is key to helping us reach this long-sought goal. Sign the petition and tell Congress to pass the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation Recognition Act!

SIGN THE PETITION

Read the Petition

Dear [Your Congressmember Here]

I am writing as a concerned citizen in support of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation and their long-sought journey to gain federal recognition.

Throughout our country’s history, marginalized communities of all backgrounds have struggled to gain the validation they deserve from the U.S. Government. The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation is no exception: In fact, the injustices against their ancestors began before our country was even founded, when Spanish forced the native Tongva people into California’s Missions in 1771. Then, in 1891, the Mission Indian Relief Act placed all California mission tribes under federal jurisdiction and promised them reservation lands. However, due to corporate business interests in California and other prejudices against indigenous people, the ancestors of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation never received their reservation. To this day, the tribe still lacks formal recognition by the federal government.

Federal recognition will allow the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation people to reclaim their identity and give their tribe the full rights and privileges of a Sovereign Nation. Because they are not currently recognized, the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation cannot:

  • Rightfully claim tribal artifacts or the remains of their ancestors.
  • Possess eagle feathers to practice their religion fully and without risk.
  • Secure scholarships for Native American young people.
  • Sell traditional crafts without risk of penalty.
  • Access Indian health clinics.
  • Access services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation has a membership of more than 700 tribal citizens, all of whom descend from a Gabrielino/Tongva ancestor who was enumerated on the California Indian Roll prepared by Bureau of Indian Affairs. Their tribe has been recognized by the State of California, the California General Assembly, and the City of Los Angeles.

It is long past time they be formally recognized by the federal government of the United States. I urge you to and your colleagues in Congress to right this historic wrong and pass the Gabrielino/Tongva Recognition Act.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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OUR SUPPORTERS

”Our history is one of enslavement and oppression. We have been wrongly denied federal recognition for generations despite our deep and formative connections to this region as well as our inclusion on the LA County seal.

Federal recognition is the first step to bringing dignity to the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe and ensuring the longevity of our people and culture.

Sandonne GoadTribal Chairwoman

ACT NOW! Tell your elected officials to pass legislation to grant Federal Recognition to the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation tribe.