L.A. School Board Commits to Land Acknowledgment in Recognition of Native Tribes (11-25-2024)

L.A. School Board Commits to Land Acknowledgment 

in Recognition of Native Tribes

LOS ANGELES, November 25, 2024 – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education have honored the original inhabitants of Los Angeles and the continued presence of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. In a resolution authored by Board Member Kelly Gonez, the Board unanimously voted to create a forthcoming land acknowledgment and explore additional steps to reckon with the past, deepen current partnerships with the tribes and support student learning on the history and culture of native tribes.

“It is our responsibility as a Board to empower our students with an accurate and complete understanding of our history, including by acknowledging the histories of the First Peoples of Los Angeles,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “We must reckon with the past harms of colonization, genocide and cultural erasure as well as honor the continued presence of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and deepen our commitment to collaboration. This resolution is an important step in that continued journey for the collective benefit of the students and communities we serve.” 

“As the historic tribe of the greater Los Angeles basin, the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno/Tongva, being acknowledged is not just about recognition, it’s about honoring the enduring presence and contributions of our ancestors to this land. This is a step in healing and hope for our ancestors to be acknowledged, our tribe to be visible and for future generations to know we are here,” said Chief Chief Anthony Morales, Tribal Chairman of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno/Tongva. “Our identity, culture and rights are preserved for future generations and we are grateful to LAUSD for this acknowledgment. LAUSD has been a great partner in education making a difference for children and we look forward to the ongoing partnership in education.”

“In order to continue educating and understanding the terrible history that was passed down to California tribes, LAUSD is embracing the local historical tribes of Los Angeles,” said Rudy Ortega, President of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band Mission Indians. “Today, our two tribes— the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno/Tongva and the Fernandeño Tataviam Band Mission Indians—express the truth and healing, and we look to the future rather than dwelling on the past. Once more, I commend LAUSD board members for this wonderful land acknowledgement.”

“This resolution reaffirms our commitment to addressing the injustices of the past and honoring the rich history of the land we stand on, originally and still cared for by the Gabrielino-Tongva, Fernandeño Tataviam and other local tribes,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “Los Angeles Unified pledges to preserve and respect this history while fostering meaningful, lasting relationships with our Native and Indigenous students, families and communities. Together, we strive to create a future rooted in recognition, respect and equity, where all voices are uplifted, and all histories are honored.”

All Board Members joined as cosponsors of the resolution.

“I fully support Board Member Gonez and Student Board Member Anely Cortez Lopez’s Resolution to develop an LAUSD Land Acknowledgment that recognizes and honors the history and modern-day contributions of the Native American and Indigenous tribes here in the Greater Los Angeles Basin,” said Board President Jackie Goldberg.

“Indigenous history is Californian history,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Supporting our indigenous neighbors also requires us to listen to their voices and understand their struggles. I am happy to co-sponsor this resolution to recognize LAUSD’s efforts to rectify a historical and social injustice for these communities.”

“I am in support of a Los Angeles Unified School District Land Acknowledgement,” said Dr. George J. McKenna III. “Native Americans are the original stewards of these lands. We are grateful for their stewardship and must make the commitment to honoring and respecting it through the education of our students.” 

“Recognizing the Indigenous peoples whose land we occupy is one step among many toward fostering respect, understanding and accountability within our community,” said Dr. Rocío Rivas. “By incorporating land acknowledgments, we honor history and build a foundation for inclusion and reconciliation in our schools.”

“While we can’t undo the past harms indigenous people have suffered on District land, we can acknowledge this tragic history, and then we can take action to repair harm to the existing indigenous community,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “University High in my district was built upon a sacred site to local peoples—and I’m proud of the work we’ve done in partnership with local tribal leaders to build an educational and cultural center, and proud that this resolution also commits to expanding and restoring these sacred springs to ensure it remains a place of learning and healing for generations to come.”

 “I am proud to support this resolution honoring our American Indian, Alaskan Native and Indigenous communities with the respect and recognition they deserve,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “It is our responsibility to elevate the stories and history in our land, fostering shared understanding and providing the necessary resources for our students, staff and families. As the largest district in California, we should recognize Indigenous People's Day as a day of reflection and remembrance to honor the resilience and cultural heritage of our indigenous families.”

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