News Summary
Anaheim hosted its sixth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day, honoring the Gabrielino-Tongva Nation and promoting awareness of indigenous culture. The event featured a prayer walk, land acknowledgment, and a potluck, bringing together the community to recognize and celebrate native heritage. Activists continue to push for the day to be recognized as a paid holiday, fostering understanding and respect for indigenous peoples.
Anaheim celebrated its sixth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 13, with a gathering that honored the ancestral heritage of the Gabrielino-Tongva Nation and raised awareness of indigenous culture. Approximately 100 community members joined the festivities at City Hall to support a 5-kilometer prayer walk that included family members of Virginia Carmelo, a third-generation resident of Orange County and a member of the Tongva tribe. The event served as a recognition of native peoples and their ancestors, marking a significant occasion in the ongoing effort to celebrate indigenous resilience across the nation.
The day’s events began with a prayer walk from Anaheim Coves Lincoln Trailhead to City Hall. Participants held signs and documented the event with cameras, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community spirit. Following the walk, a land acknowledgment program took place at City Hall, where attendees recognized the history and significance of the land to the indigenous community. The celebration concluded with a potluck at the Downtown Community Center, showcasing dishes from local restaurants and community members, emphasizing the importance of cultural sharing and celebration.
The historical context of the event highlights that the early inhabitants of present-day Orange County were the Tongva and Acjachemen people. The region that we now know as Anaheim was the site of the Tongva village called Hutuukuga, which serves as a reminder of the deep roots of indigenous history in the area. Currently, there are 574 recognized indigenous tribes in the United States, reflecting the diverse heritage of Native American communities across the country.
The transition from observing Columbus Day, historically recognized on October 12, to Indigenous Peoples’ Day is part of a broader movement advocating for understanding and recognition of indigenous cultures and their ongoing struggles. Shannon Rivers, a member of the Akimel O’otham tribe, noted that activists collaborated with the city for two years to establish the inaugural Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019. Each annual celebration is designed to further indigenous activism, raise awareness about issues facing indigenous communities, and advocate for policy changes that promote understanding and inclusion.
During the Indigenous Peoples’ Day events, David Garcia, a tribal elder of the Tohono O’odham Nation, led a ceremonial prayer at the Native American United Methodist Church, addressing some of the challenges that indigenous communities face today. Adam Loya, vice-chairman of the Gabrielino-Tongva Nation, expressed hopes that this recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day would foster greater interest and participation in the preservation of cultural heritage among community members.
The activities also included discussions about individual connections to indigenous heritage, with members like Jennifer Martinez sharing their stories and involvement in local cultural advocacy. This included efforts such as the removal of a school mascot that was deemed offensive. The event further featured an ancestral run to the Anaheim Coves near the Santa Ana River, which is regarded as a sacred site for the Gabrielino-Tongva people.
Community advocates are pushing for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be recognized as a paid holiday, with Mazatl Tepehyolotzin, a committee member, rallying for support in this initiative. Mayor Gloria Sahagún Ma’ae highlighted the importance of communication and understanding for strengthening community relationships during the proclamation ceremony, reinforcing the significance of the day’s events in fostering connections between the city’s diverse populations.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrations in Anaheim reflect a growing trend across the United States, where many cities have adopted this day as a means to acknowledge the legacy of colonialism while honoring the contributions and resilience of indigenous peoples. The recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day marks a step towards greater appreciation and respect for Native American heritage, creating a platform for ongoing dialogue and community engagement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Long Beach Residents Disappointed by CSULB’s Delay in Puvungna Stewardship
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Gathering at Anaheim City Hall Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- The New Yorker: Unearthing the History of Anaheim
- Daily Titan: Anaheim Celebrates Second Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Wikipedia: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Native American
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
