The Tongva people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Los Angeles Basin and Southern Channel Islands, experienced profound historical injustices, including the non-recognition of their sovereign rights and their effective termination as a federally recognized tribe in the mid-20th century.
Historical Challenges and Policies
The history of the Tongva people is marked by a series of events that drastically altered their way of life and legal status:
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Unrecognized Treaties: During the 19th century, eighteen treaties were negotiated that recognized the Tongva people and their land rights. However, these "18 lost treaties" were never ratified by the U.S. government. This failure to adopt the treaties meant that the Tongva's inherent sovereignty and land claims were not formally acknowledged or protected, leaving them vulnerable to displacement and the loss of their ancestral territories.
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Policy of Assimilation and Termination: A significant turning point occurred in 1950 under the Eisenhower administration's federal policy of "Assimilation" for Native American Tribes. This policy aimed to integrate Native Americans into mainstream American society by severing their tribal ties and terminating their federally recognized status. As a direct result, the Gabrielino-Tongva were effectively terminated, losing their official tribal recognition and access to federal services and protections associated with it.
Consequences of Termination
The termination policy had devastating effects on the Tongva people:
- Loss of Federal Recognition: Without federal recognition, the Tongva lost the unique government-to-government relationship with the United States. This impacted their ability to manage their own affairs, access resources, and protect their cultural heritage.
- Erosion of Tribal Identity: The policy was designed to dismantle tribal structures and assimilate individuals, leading to a period where tribal identity and practices were suppressed or forced underground.
- Economic Hardship: The loss of recognized tribal status often meant the cessation of federal programs and services, exacerbating economic challenges for community members.
Resilience and Current Status
Despite these historical setbacks, the Tongva people have demonstrated remarkable resilience. They have actively worked to preserve their culture, language, and traditions, and have been engaged in ongoing efforts to regain federal recognition and assert their rights. Today, descendants of the Tongva continue to live in and around their ancestral lands, advocating for their heritage and sovereign identity. Their journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous communities in the face of profound historical challenges.
