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Chief Anthony Redblood Morales, San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, stands for cultural preservation, education, and environmental stewardship. As the hereditary Chairman of the tribe, he has dedicated his life to safeguarding the heritage of his tribe, fostering educational opportunities, and championing environmental causes. Chief Anthony Redblood Morales is a direct descendant of the Gabrieleno Tongva people, whose roots run deep in Los Angeles, Orange County and the 4 Southern Channel Islands. Raised with Tongva traditions, he carries the weight of his ancestors' legacy with grace. Chief Morales' profound connection to the land, coupled with his commitment to cultural preservation, has propelled him into a position of leadership and influence within the tribe, the Native Community and the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Chief Morales is a living repository of the Gabrieleno culture and history. His knowledge of Tongva traditions, ceremonies, and oral history is remarkable. With an innate ability to captivate audiences, Chief Morales shares oral traditions that transport listeners back in time, imparting a deep understanding of the spiritual and cultural underpinnings of his people. As a dedicated educator, Chief Morales has tirelessly worked to ensure that the next generation of Tongva individuals and the broader community at large have access to authentic, culturally relevant educational resources. He imparts invaluable insights into the traditions, beliefs, and practices that have sustained the test time. Chief Morales is not only a guardian of culture and an advocate for the environment. Recognizing the link between cultural heritage and the natural world, he has taken on the role of an environmental steward. Chief Morales is at the forefront of initiatives aimed at preserving sacred sites, advocating for sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the land and its resources for future generations. In his capacity as Chairman of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Chief Morales serves as the leader for the tribe's administrative and organizational endeavors. With a strategic vision and a deep sense of responsibility, he ensures that the tribe's resources are allocated efficiently, enabling the continuation of cultural preservation efforts, educational initiatives, and environmental advocacy. Chief Morales will continue to inspire and empower generations to honor their cultural roots, pursue education, and protection of our environment.
Chief Anthony Redblood Morales
Chairman
Gabrieleno-Tongva Tribal Council
Kimberly Morales Johnson is an enrolled member of the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. Her family maintains tradition and continuity to their tribe by living on the tribal traditional land and knowing its precious history. Kimberly currently serves as Tribal Secretary for the tribe, and as a community elected commissioner for the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission. She is the co-founder and Vice President of the newly formed Tongva Taraxaat Paxaavxa Conservancy Land Conservancy. Kimberly has been active in Native American politics and culture, maintaining her family traditions all of her life. Her father served as tribal chairman, and was one of the first to serve as a Native American Monitor for the State of California. She and her family have been featured in documentaries and several books, regarding the Native people of the Los Angeles Basin. Kimberly has given various presentations to several local colleges and universities about the Gabrieleno/Tongva and maintaining cultural traditions. After teaching elementary school for several years, in 2010, Kimberly earned her Master’s in Public Health and taught Diabetes Education with Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health. She recently stopped working as a Special Education Teacher in Pomona, California and is currently pursuing to pursue her PhD in Native American Studies at UC Davis. She and her daughter work to preserve and protect the Grandmother White Sage plant. Her passion is to tell the story of the Tongva with,
by and for the community.
Kimberly Morales Johnson
Secretary
Samantha Morales Johson loves art and science and preserving the culture of the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. As a Tribal enrolled member, while earning her Bachelors in Science in Marine Biology that I realized I didn't have to choose between the two in my career. As an active member of the Gabrieleno Tongva Band of Mission Indians, she strives to honor Creator in all of my artwork.
As a child, she grew up on a certain cartoon created by a marine biologist, and to this day is inspired to teach all audiences about the Gabrieleno, focused on environmental studies, marine life and conservation. She is a proficient basket weaver, educator and environmental activist. She has been working as the tribal biologist and ethnobotanist since 2020.
Samantha Morales Johnson
Cultural Officer
Adam Morales
Vice Chair
Vice Chair Adam Morales is an integral figure within the Gabrieleno Tribal Council, known for his dynamic contributions across a spectrum of responsibilities. His diverse skill set and unwavering commitment have solidified him as a cornerstone in the representation and Hailing from a lineage steeped in the traditions and heritage of the Gabrieleno Tongva people, Vice Chair Adam Morales is a living embodiment of his ancestors' legacy. His upbringing within the vibrant tapestry of Tongva culture instilled in him a deep sense of reverence for the land, traditions, and the community he serves. Vice Chair Morales wears many hats within the Gabrieleno Tribal Council. As a representative, he stands as a powerful advocate for the interests and rights of the community, ensuring their voices are heard in crucial discussions and decision-making processes. His presence at meetings, whether local or broader in scope, serves as a linchpin in maintaining effective communication and collaboration. Vice Chair Morales brings a strategic perspective to the council's business operations. His keen understanding of the political landscape, coupled with a knack for organizational efficiency, enables him to navigate complex matters with finesse. From budgeting to policy implementation, Vice Chair Morales is a guiding force in ensuring the tribe's affairs are conducted with prudence and foresight. Beyond the realm of governance, Vice Chair Morales is a vital force in the preservation and celebration of Gabrieleno Tongva cultural expressions. With his musical talents, he leads the tribal dancers in rhythmic performances that resonate with ancestral echoes. Through his music, Vice Chair Morales not only honors tradition but also invites the community to partake in a shared cultural experience. Vice Chair Morales embodies a spirit of inclusivity and accessibility. He actively seeks to engage with the community, listening to concerns, aspirations, and ideas. This open dialogue fosters a sense of unity and ensures that the collective vision of the tribe is at the forefront of every endeavor.
Nestled within the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, an unassuming yet remarkable cultural guardian, Lorainne Morales stands as a beacon of strength, wisdom, and dedication to the preservation of Gabrieleno heritage. Holding the pivotal role of Treasurer within the Gabrieleno Tribe, she is a living testament to the enduring spirit of her ancestors and their legacy. Lorainne Morales descends from a long line of proud Gabrieleno, carrying forth the sacred traditions and cultural practices of her ancestors. Born and raised in the heartland of Gabrieleno territory, she has an intimate connection to the land, its stories, and its people. Through her captivating narratives, she breathes life into the tales of her ancestors, providing invaluable insights into the traditions, beliefs, and practices of the Gabrieleno people. As the Treasurer of the Gabrieleno Tribe, Lorainne plays a pivotal role in the preservation and growth of cultural initiatives. She manages the financial resources required to support educational programs, cultural events, and community outreach efforts. Her financial stewardship ensures that the tribe can continue its vital work in passing down the legacy of the Gabrieleno people to future generations.
Lorainne Morales Madrid
Treasurer
