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(1) Receive a Verbal Report on the Land Acknowledgement Project from Staff; (2) Approve the Addition of the Land Acknowledgement Project to the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee 2023-2024 Workplan; (3) Discuss and Determine Next Steps as Deemed Appropriate; and (4) If So Desired, Provide Feedback and/or Recommendations to Staff.
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Meeting Date: January 23, 2024
Contact Person/Dept: Michelle Hamilton/ Human Resources Department
Phone Number: 310-253-5640
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas- City Council (01/17/2024); (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas- Equity & Human Relations Advisory Committee (01/17/2024); (E-Mail) All City Staff (01/17/2024)
Department Approval: Dana Anderson, Human Resources Director (01/17/2024)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC); (1) receive a verbal report on the land acknowledgement project from staff; (2) approve the addition of the Land Acknowledgment Project to the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee 2023-2024 Workplan; (3) discuss and determine next steps as deemed appropriate; and (4) if so desired, provide feedback and/or recommendations to staff.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Gabrieleño Tongva, a Native American people, have a long history in and around the area that is now Los Angeles. They were the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles Basin and the islands of Santa Catalina, San Nicholas, San Clemente, and Santa Barbara. They are also known as the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, because they were forced to join Mission San Gabriel when it was founded in 1771 by Spanish colonizers following the 1769 order of King Carlos III of Spain to settle California. The Tongva language, which belongs to the Uto-Aztecan family, was once spoken by the Gabrieleño Tongva, but it has become extinct.
According to the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian, “a land acknowledgement is a traditional custom that dates back centuries in many Native nations and communities. Today, land acknowledgements are used by Native Peoples and non-Natives to recognize Indigenous Peoples who are the original stewards of the lands on which we now live.”
At the March 27, 2023, City Council Meeting, Vice Mayor McMorrin received City Council consensus from Council Members O’Brien and Puza to agendize consideration of making a formal land acknowledgement to the original Gabrieleño Tongva Indians at the beginning of each City Council meeting.
At the City Council meeting on December 11, 2023, Item A-3 CC - (1) Discussion and, if Desired, Adoption of a Statement of Land Acknowledgement; and (2) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate was heard. Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work done by staff; the feeling that additional meaningful community engagement and outreach to the native and indigenous peoples is needed; including but not limited to outreach to tribal organizations for feedback and examination of proposed verbiage to ensure that the original inhabitants are being properly honored.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There are no costs associated with discussion of this item.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Staff Report 24-460 - Land Acknowledgement Statement - 12.11.23
2. Approved CCCC Meeting Minutes 12.11.13
MOTION
That the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee:
(1) Receive a verbal report from staff on the Land Acknowledgement Project; and
(2) Approve the addition of the Land Acknowledgement Project to the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee 2023-2024 Workplan; and
(3) Discuss and determine next steps as deemed appropriate; and
(4) If so desired, provide feedback and/or recommendations to staff.