THE GABRIELINO-SHOSHONE NATION
OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A GRANT-FUNDED LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION PROJECT
MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH TZICATL CDC
The Intergenerational Gabrielino Language Ecosystem Project broke ground in 2022, funded by a grant with the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) under the Office of Administration for Children and Families. With the purpose of revitalizing the sleeping mother language of the Gabrielino-Shoshone people, the project rematriates the research and power of language back into the hands of its rightful community. The Intergenerational Gabrielino Language Ecosystem Project focuses on decolonizing western linguistics frameworks that have kept resources behind closed doors of academia. The project has allowed the Gabrielino-Shoshone to explore their language in a culturally-relevant, spiritual and visionary approach that cannot be achieved through predominately white educational institutions.
EYOO’OOXON
“To Be Together”
GABRIELINO-SHOSHONE NATION + TZICATL CDC
When Anawakalmekak founders Marcos Aguilar and Minnie Ferguson first met Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation leaders Chief Ya’anna Vera Rocha and Spiritual Leader Manuel Tuatukar Rocha over 30 years ago, a special and ground-breaking relationship was created. Under the guidance and mentorship of the Rochas, Aguilar and Ferguson began to envision a different pathway of education for not only indigenous students in Los Angeles, but all indigenous students of Turtle Island.
In partnership with Tzicatl Community Development Corporation, the Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation of Southern California began developing a sustainable plan in re-establishing the tribe’s sovereignty, self-determination, and preservation of culture, traditions, and language. This work continues the legacy and achievements that made Chief Ya’anna Rocha a culture and environmental innovator for the indigenous peoples of the Los Angeles basin.
HUUHUVARO
“To Dream”
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNGENERATIONAL GABRIELINO LANGUAGE ECOSYSTEM PROJECT
CURRENT PROJECTS
EYOO’OOXON
“Our Land”
LANGUAGE IS LAND: CHIEF YA’ANNA VERA ROCHA REGENERATIVE LEARNING VILLAGE
LAND
In 2022, twelve acres of land in Los Angeles was rematriated back to the Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation, the largest land back acquisition back to a Native group in the city’s history since colonization. This land was named The Chief Ya’anna Vera Rocha Regenerative Learning Village. During the last two years, several programs have been developed by the Gabrielino-Shoshone nation and Tzicatl CDC that centers the connection of ecological knowledge and language revitalization tied into the land at Chief Ya’anna Village. The ancestral names of plants, animals, and places, as well as its place and use in cultural practices and indigenous sciences, are prioritized to educate about Gabrielino history, traditions and the ongoing efforts of the tribe’s work.
CULTURE
Since its inception, Chief Ya’anna Village is designated for many community, research, ceremonial, stewardship, inter-tribal convenings, and language gatherings. Through the use of this land, connections to many different communities have been established. Cultural exchanges using songs, dance, and conversation demonstrates that the Gabrielino language is alive and breathing. This strengthens the Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation’s tribal sovereignty by having those communities recognize and acknowledge the ancestral significance and importance of the land in which their events were held.
EDUCATION
Establishing Chief Ya’anna Regenerative Learning Village and the Tuatukar Ecocultural Center cultivates a community resilience hub that will focus on indigenously-led science as a way to combat climate change. Partnering with many local universities, as well as with L.A. County, to create educational and career pathways for indigenous students, while also increasing the cultural competence of students in the greater Los Angeles area. Chief Ya’anna Regenerative Learning Village will serve as a global model for the type of reciprocal community that can be accomplished in an urban environment to battle the effects of a changing climate.