By Jorge Casuso

December 9, 2024 -- Congress could vote on a bill next year to recognize the Tongva as a nation and deed the tribe as many as 300 acres in their traditional homeland, which includes Santa Monica.

Celebration of Gabrielino Tongva people in front of City Hall (Photo by The Lookout)

Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, H.R. 6859 -- the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation Recognition Act of 2023 -- is currently before the House National Resources Committee, according to the Congresswoman's office.

Kamlager-Dove's District, which includes Culver City, Crenshaw, Ladera Heights and Beverlywood, is located in what was once home to the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation that encompassed almost all of the LA region.

The traditional homeland includes "the Los Angeles Basin and the islands of Santa Catalina, San Nicholas, San Clemente, and Santa Barbara, from Topanga Canyon to Laguna Beach, from the San Gabriel Mountains to the sea," according to the bill.

"Over 2,000 archaeological sites in the Los Angeles County Basin attest to the longevity of Gabrielino/Tongva presence in their homelands." Santa Monica has memorialized its ties to the Tongva people with an 85-year-old mural at City Hall that has divided the community over its depiction of the indigenous tribe ("Council to Launch Process to 'Reframe' Controversial City Hall Murals," February 6, 2024).

City Hall Mural (Curtesy of Santa Monica Conservancy

The City also named a 6-acre flagship park that opened across from City Hall in 2013 Tongva Park ("Santa Monica's New Parks Memorialize Indigenous Tribe, Former Mayor," October 21, 2013).

Under the proposed bill, the Secretary of the Interior "shall acquire and take into trust for the benefit of the Tribe title to land identified by the Tribe that is located within the service area of the Tribe, not to exceed 300 acres."

According to Federal law, the Secretary can determine, after consulting with State and local officials, if "a gaming establishment on newly acquired lands would be in the best interest of the Indian tribe and its members, and would not be detrimental to the surrounding community."

The Governor, however, must agree with the Secretary's determination.

Outgoing Councilmember Oscar de la Torre -- an outspoken critic of the City Hall mural -- said deeding Santa Monica land would be the right thing to do.

"Why not?" de la Torre said. "In order to be a great country, we need to rectify the transgressions of the past. This is a chance for Santa Monica to be a better city."

When it was pointed out that the City owns 227 acres of land at the municipal airport, de la Torre said he believes the City should not oppose its transfer to the tribe.

The Tongva, de la Torre said, has "historically lived in balance with nature."

"Let's do right for the indigenous people of Santa Monica and the LA area," said de la Torre, "Let's see where it goes."

The airport site -- one of the largest open swaths of land in urban Los Angeles -- will shut down as an airport under a landmark agreement with the FAA at the end of 2028 ("City Unveils Guiding Principles for Airport Conversion," December 5, 2024).