[photo credit; Altadena Library District]
Councilwoman Regina Murillo and Councilwoman Patricia Neminski will examine “the importance of Federal Recognition for Native Nations in the United States,” according to the Altadena Library District event calendar.
The Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, Indigenous to the Los Angeles Basin—including in Pasadena and in Altadena—currently lacks federal recognition despite being the region’s original inhabitants. This status prevents the tribe from exercising critical rights.
The tribe has stated that without federal recognition, they cannot claim and repatriate their ancestors’ remains, cannot participate in scholarships for Native Americans, and cannot practice their religious traditions with full freedoms, according to the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation’s official communications.
The tribe identifies federal recognition as vital for repatriation rights, religious freedom, and access to education and health programs.
H.R. 6859, introduced December 19, by Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), would grant federal recognition to the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation.
The event takes place during Native American Heritage Month. The Bob Lucas Memorial Library, which reopened August 16, following renovation, is fully ADA accessible.
Native American History Month Discussion will run on Thursday, November 20 at 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bob Lucas Memorial Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave., in Altadena. For more call (626) 798-8338 or visit https://www.altadenalibrary.org/programs?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D191671511. Admission is free.
