In a landmark move, legislation introduced by Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove aims to reshape the relationship between Los Angeles and its Indigenous inhabitants, the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation.
For a community with roots predating the city itself, this bill represents a crucial step toward obtaining federal recognition that has eluded them for decades.
If passed, H.R. 6859 would allow the Department of the Interior to take up to 300 acres in Los Angeles County into trust for the Gabrielino/Tongva, providing them with a recognized reservation and the rights and responsibilities of other federally recognized tribes.
This milestone could open doors to various opportunities that would enhance self-governance, promote economic development, and protect cultural heritage.
Potential initiatives could include the establishment of cultural centers to offer exhibitions and performances, as well as ventures in hospitality that showcase local cuisine and character.
By collaborating with nearby businesses and leveraging federal programs in housing, education, and health, the tribe could develop sustainable economic models that not only honor their traditions but also attract visitors to Los Angeles.
Chairwoman Sandonne Goad of the Gabrielino/Tongva community highlights that this bill is more than just a legal maneuver; it is about restoring a voice that has long been silenced.
Support for the legislation has emerged from various sectors, including organized labor, civic groups, and local officials, all recognizing the historical injustices faced by the tribe.
The recognition would also empower the Gabrielino/Tongva to manage their cultural and natural resources, thereby offering a more authentic representation of Indigenous history in the region.
Although the Gabrielino/Tongva were formally recognized by California in 1994 as the aboriginal tribe of the Los Angeles Basin, federal recognition has remained out of reach due to long bureaucratic processes.
H.R. 6859 seeks to bypass this drawn-out system, making what seems like a distant goal increasingly attainable.
The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation has a rich history that predates modern urban developments, with archaeological evidence showing their previous settlements along the Los Angeles River and coastal areas.
While federal recognition cannot undo the significant losses of land and culture, it offers the tribe a means to protect what remains vital to their heritage.
The tribal authority would allow for broader initiatives, including the potential consideration of a casino project funded under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Although no specific plans have been confirmed, the idea has garnered significant interest, as similar projects across California have successfully financed cultural preservation and community development.
In addition to economic impacts, designating a reservation for the Gabrielino/Tongva could serve as a cultural hub, where ceremonies intertwine with the local flora and oral histories are shared in their ancestral language.
Such a space would not only enrich the community but also provide Los Angeles with a tangible connection to the people who have inhabited the land for millennia.
Currently, H.R. 6859 is under review by the House Committee on Natural Resources.
If the bill advances, it will undergo the same legislative procedures as any other in Congress, although the current political climate shows a growing sensitivity to Indigenous issues.
Los Angeles is gradually acknowledging its complex history, with an increased emphasis on the contributions and rights of its Indigenous peoples.
This moment is not merely about change for change’s sake; it aims to align the city’s future with deep respect for its past.
Even amidst transformations, the identity of the Gabrielino/Tongva has remained steadfast, and federal recognition would enshrine that identity within legal frameworks, empowering them to govern their affairs and nurture their traditions.
While much of the focus tends to be on new projects or developments, the most profound change lies in recognizing the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation’s sovereignty and right to determine their future.
Los Angeles is built upon layers of history—Indigenous communities, colonial missions, railroads, and modern architecture all contributing to a rich tapestry.
Recognizing the Gabrielino/Tongva would not erase these layers but rather reintroduce a crucial thread often overlooked in the city’s narrative.
The bill’s implications extend far beyond mere legislation; they influence public discourse around Indigenous rights, seen in conversations in council chambers and local events that once seemed improbable.
A Gabrielino/Tongva reservation is beginning to be envisioned not as a distant possibility but a real prospect, underscoring a significant shift in local and societal attitudes.
As Los Angeles continues to evolve, the recognition and empowerment of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation will play an integral role in shaping the city’s future, while honoring the legacy of those who once thrived on this land.
image source from：citywatchla
