The San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno/Tongva represents the historical indigenous tribe of the County of Los Angeles and Greater Orange County. Spanning from the Los Angeles Basin to the islands of Santa Catalina, San Nicholas, San Clemente, and Santa Barbara, and from the mountains to the sea, the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno/Tongva have maintained an unbroken presence on these ancestral lands since long before European contact.

 

State recognition resolution was only granted to the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians by the State of California in 1994, solidifying their integral role within the Southern California community. Their legacy is well-documented in records from local Catholic Missions, city records, and archives of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. While cultural and historic sites abound throughout the County, the Tribal Headquarters remains near the San Gabriel Mission.

 

Governed by a democratically elected 5-member tribal council the Gabrieleno-Tongva Tribal Council, the Tribe ensures the general operations are conducted efficiently, with oversight from the General Membership during tribal meetings.

 

The Tribe's vision is centered on nurturing traditional values and ethics for future generations while safeguarding the foundations of American Indian culture. Preservation of traditional culture is paramount, alongside fostering unity among nations and educating non-Native citizens about their history and culture. With a focus on passing ancestral traditions to their children and educating surrounding communities about their Tribal existence, the Tribe's long-term purpose is clear: to ensure the enduring legacy of their people.