On July 10, a church transferred ownership of a half-acre community center land to the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. This marked the tribe's first acquisition of ancestral territory in centuries, allowing them to use the space for cultural, governmental, and community purposes. The transfer is significant for the tribe, affirming their existence amidst historical claims of extinction. Unlike federally recognized tribes, many California tribes engage in negotiations through nonprofit organizations to secure land, facing challenges due to unfulfilled agreements by the U.S. government over decades.
For the first time in centuries, a piece of their ancestral territory belongs to them.
The tribe is 'basically on the map now,' referring to their historical struggle.
The space will host cultural ceremonies, government meetings, programming for tribal youth and a community food bank.
Tribes without federal recognition often set up nonprofit organizations to acquire land.
#indigenous-rights #land-transfer #community-empowerment #cultural-heritage #san-gabriel-band-of-mission-indians
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