Tribal Diversity in LA County
As Thanksgiving Approaches Billboards Remind LA: “We’re still here!”
November marks Native American Heritage Month, and in alignment with Los Angeles’ commitment to celebrating the cultural diversity within LA County, numerous events are scheduled this month to honor the rich Native American heritage integral to the fabric of Los Angeles. The public is invited to explore the exhibition at the DCA’s Henry P. Rio Bridge Gallery located in City Hall, which will be open from November 1 to December 1, 2024. This exhibition features artwork from more than 17 Native American artists and is curated by Dawn Jackson (Saginaw Chippewas) and supported by the 2024 Native American Heritage Month Chair, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, the Los Angeles City Council, and the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). Among the showcased works, Navajo multimedia artist Pamela J. Peters presents ten canvas pieces that reflect the diverse tribal communities in Los Angeles, as part of her ongoing project, “Native Nations in LA.”
This initiative highlights portraits of Native tribal members proudly displaying their tribal flags, emphasizing their cultural heritage and presence in a city that often overlooks the diversity of Native tribal communities and contributions. Beyond simply showcasing tribal pride, Peters’ project offers participants a platform to articulate the importance of “Tribal Nation flags” as symbols of sovereignty. By illuminating these often-neglected Native American narratives within urban environments, Peters’ project seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the local tribal, cultural, and historical dimensions of Native American communities in Los Angeles County.
Additionally, starting on November 18th and running through December 18th, artist Peters will display 10 billboards throughout Los Angeles County. Her commitment is to provide Angelenos with a comprehensive perspective on the diverse tribal communities through visual images. The stories shared by these Native individuals have shed light on the complexities of their experiences as native living in Los Angeles County, yet it also celebrates their rich cultures of the diversity of tribal nations still existing in Los Angeles County. It is crucial to continue engaging with and listening to the voices of Native communities in order to honor their past, acknowledge their present realities, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all folks to understand the diversity of tribal nations in Los Angeles.
Native Nations is part of the CA Creative Corps, which is generously supported by the California Arts Council and administered by Community Partners as part of artist fellowship commitment.
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Cisco Martinez, born and raised in South Sacramento witnessed the socioeconomic disparities in his community and recognized the need for collective healing. He is a dedicated advocate for Native American communities, having served as a councilman for the Hammawi Band of the Pit River Tribe. Currently, he has received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology at UCLA. Cisco’s research focuses on critical issues such as blood quantum and Native American Identity. He plans to pursue a Law Degree in Tribal Law to further support and advocate for his community. All of this was made possible with the love and support from his older sisters and mom who supported his journey throughout academia.
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Amiee Tashpa Scott a twenty-year-old – third-year student at the University of California, Los Angeles. She comes from the Pala Band of Mission Indians and Southern Cheyenne descent. Her field of study is psychology, and she aims to pursue a career as a pediatrician to advocate for the well-being of American Indian populations. Although transitioning from the Pala Indian Reservation to Los Angeles presented challenges, she has discovered a sense of belonging within the Native Bruins community at UCLA.
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Timothy Ornelas, a member of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and received a Bachelor’s degree in film production from Los Angeles Film School. He believes there is a greater opportunity to engage and educate not only those within his community, but also those outside of it. He aims to enhance his capacity to produce impactful content while challenging his creative boundaries. Struggling to find his cultural identity in the urban environment, he recognizes the significance of creating films that resonate with young people. Reflecting on his own upbringing, he wishes for a support system that fosters creative thinking and artistic expression. As a Native individual pursuing a career in filmmaking, he seeks to impart his knowledge and emphasize the importance of authentically representing the unique Urban Native experience with honesty, respect, and sincerity. Timothy currently works as a coordinator at The Walt Disney Company.
