The First People of Los Angeles
We acknowledge that the Los Angeles Unified School District operates on land originally and still inhabited and cared for by the Gabrieleño and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples, who
have stewarded this land for generations. We recognize these Indigenous communities' ongoing presence and contributions and honor their connection to this region. We recognize
Gabrieleño people as the original stewards of the Los Angeles Basin, and the nearby coastal lands, and the Fernandeño Tataviam as protectors of the northern valleys. These lands
have and continue to hold deep cultural and spiritual significance to their people and have shaped the community we live in today. We pay our respects to the Honuukvetam
(Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders), and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present, and emerging and commit to supporting Indigenous communitiesthrough education ensuring
their voices are heard and their legacies are respected. We commit to deepening our understanding of the histories and cultures of the Native peoples of this land. This
acknowledgment demonstrates our ongoing efforts to build and sustain relationships with Indigenous communities and contribute to healing and reconciliation.
For more information, please visit our district Board of Education report.
Read about People of the Earth, or the Tongva, written by Cindi Alvitre and illustrated by Carly Lake.