Together we preserve our ancestry and educate our neighbors
OUR STATEMENT
The Gabrieleno (Tongva) San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians (AKA) "Gabrieleno Tongva" is the Historically Traditional Tribe within the County of Los Angeles. The Gabrieleno Tongva occupied the entire Los Angeles Basin and the islands of the Santa Catalina, San Nicholas , San Clemente and Santa Barbara, and from the mountains to the sea. The existence of our people on these ancestral lands has been unbroken since long before the first contact between the Tongva and Europeans.
The Gabrieleno (Tongva) San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians received State recognition from the State of California in 1994. We have remained an integral part of the Southern California community. Our presence is well documented. Our existence is preserved in records of the three local Catholic Missions and in records of local cities and both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. We have cultural and historic sites located throughout the County but our Tribal Headquarters still remains near the San Gabriel Mission.
The Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians "Gabrieleno Tongva" Tribe is governed by 5 member tribal council, which is democratically elected by members of the tribe. The Tribal Council is responsible for the general operations of the Tribe subject to review by the General Membership during tribal meeting.
It is our vision to build and inspire traditional values and ethics for future generations while preserving the foundations of American Indian culture. Salving and preservating traditional cultural is a priority of this tribe, along with developing unity among nations, and then the Non- Native citizens by educational work in providing an awareness of the history and culture of our people.
Our long term purpose is to continue to pass on our ancestral traditions to our children and to educate the communities of our Tribal existence.
OUR GOALS
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Is to give back our people their identity, self-esteem and the courage to bear no shame as an Native American in today's society.
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To be vigilant, effective guardians of our lands and ancestral remains.
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To be wise teachers of our youth so that they will be informed and proud guardians of the ways of our ancestors.
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To increase our efforts at cultural recovery and renewal: language, song, dance, music, basketry, storytelling, ceremonial and spiritual traditions.
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To achieve federal recognition of our People.
TOGETHERNESS, PERSEVERANCE, AND EDUCATION
TOGETHERNESS: The Gabrieleno Tongva survival depends on the combined support of one another... We become strong together and like a Nation, we keep growing with independence and pride.
PERSERVERANCE: We as Gabrieleno Tongva California Native Americans have developed an attitude of perseverance in the face of obstacles in spite of - and perhaps, because of.. the burden of whom we are. We must remove all obstacles and let it be known who we are, matters!
EDUCATION: We as Gabrieleno Tongva Native Americans are at the point where we must educate our People in what no one know yesterday, and prepare our People for what no one knows today, and begin being counted, so we can be proud of who we are tomorrow.