Justice, Equity & Diversity: Santa Monica celebrates Native American Heritage Month with events throughout the city
October 24, 2024 12:49 PM
by David Gardinier
Updated Oct. 29, 2024
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to commemorate the culture and contributions of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, acknowledge the injustices they have historically faced and continue to face today, and celebrate their achievements past and present.
The city of Santa Monica sits on Tovaangar (Tongva for "the world"), which is the unceded territory of the Gabrieleño/Tongva peoples. The Tongva were the first inhabitants of Santa Monica, acting as stewards of the land by avoiding the overuse of natural resources and other practices. Read more about the Tongva people at tongva.land, and consider a visit to Kuruvungna Village Springs, which is open to the public the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As part of Santa Monica’s strategic priority of Justice, Equity & Diversity, the city is making strides to develop more positive and meaningful connections with the First Peoples of the land Santa Monica sits on. One way the city is doing this is through the Reframe: City Hall Mural project, which began with a public process in collaboration with metzli projects to examine the impacts of the WPA-era mural by Stanton Macdonald-Wright in the lobby of historic City Hall and explore actions the city can take to address them. This process resulted in recommendations that were adopted by City Council and will result in actions in the upcoming Citywide Equity Plan, including building respectful relations with the Kuruvungna Springs Foundation and developing a Citywide land acknowledgement.
“Refractions,” a collection of contemporary artworks by Native and Indigenous artists from or connected to the Los Angeles region is one outcome of these conversations. The community is invited to attend two "Refractions" activations, an opening mixer and exhibition in November and a panel discussion in December. Learn more about these events below.
The Santa Monica Public Library is also hosting a series of events in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, and has compiled reading lists for families, teens and adults.
Learn more about all of the happenings and resources throughout the city in honor of Native American Heritage Month:
Teen Indigenous Heritage Month Book Take & Make
Available Nov. 2 – 30 / All Library Branches
Pick up a copy of “Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, paired with family terminology and discussion prompts. While supplies last. For ages 12 to 18.
Little Hands Art Class: Native American Pottery
Saturday, Nov. 2, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. / Main Library, Youth Activity Room
Learn about different traditions of Indigenous pottery and get inspired to make your own creation. For ages 2 to 5.
‘Refractions’: Contemporary Indigenous Art exhibit opening
Sunday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Annenberg Community Beach House gallery
Join the curators and artists of the “Refractions” art exhibit for an informal mixer with light refreshments. Learn more about how their work provides a deeper understanding of the present-day experience of Native and Indigenous communities, influenced by pop art, graffiti, nostalgia, and the beauty found within “the in-between” spaces of identity. The exhibit will be on view daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House gallery through May 11, 2025. Hours are subject to change; call Guest Services at (310) 458-4904 to confirm dates and closures.
A Journey Through Indigenous Culinary Traditions
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2 – 3 p.m. / Main Library, Multipurpose Room
Join Dr. Claudia Serrato as she discusses Indigenous culinary traditions. This interactive lecture will explore cultural food history, cultural nutrition and contemporary food movements.
Native American Heritage Month Proclamation
Monday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. / City Hall, Council Chambers
City staff, in collaboration with local Tongva elders, will present a proclamation, including a land acknowledgement, for Native American Heritage Month.
Community Visit to Kuruvungna Springs
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Kuruvungna Springs
Learn about this Tongva sacred site from elder Bob Ramirez, in addition to fascinating history about the Tongva peoples and the City of Santa Monica! More information at gabrielinosprings.com.
Teen Literary Lounge: ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4 – 5 p.m. / Main Library, Youth Activity Room
Join us for a social reading party just for teens. Pick up a free copy of “Braiding Sweetgrass” or bring a book of your own to discuss. Light refreshments will be served. For ages 12-18.
‘Refractions’: Contemporary Indigenous Art in Public Space talk
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. / Pico Branch Library
Though technically not part of Native American Heritage Month, we’d be remiss not to include this panel event that will bring together artists and practitioners to reflect on, consider and uplift the transformational power of Indigenous art in public spaces and the particular concerns around public commissions for First Peoples artists.
Other resources for Native American Heritage Month:
- Santa Monica Public Library staff have put together recommended selections of fiction and nonfiction books:
- Native American Heritage Month for Kids
- Native American Heritage Middle Grade Reads
- Native & Indigenous Lit for Teens
- Native North American + Indigenous Lit
- LA’s Tongva Descendants: We originated here,” KCRW.
- “Mapping Indigenous LA: Placemaking through Digital Storytelling. Kuruvungna,” UCLA.
- The 21-Day Racial Equity Indigenous Challenge offers insightful resources to read, listen to and watch to deepen your understanding of the cultures, histories, injustices and current issues of Indigenous Peoples.
Pictured: Mercedes Dorame with her “Pulling the Sun Back” installation, courtesy of the artist.
Authored By
David Gardinier
Assistant Administrative Analyst