Ancestors Final Journey Home
In advance of California Native American Day, California State University Long Beach held an event to officially recognize the reburial of remains and various artifacts in an area on the campus. CSULB President Jane Close Conoley expressed her honor that the school is one of the first institutions to complete a reburial on a university campus under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The celebration included speeches and traditional Native American songs. Long Beach September 22, 2016. Photo by Brittany Murray, Press Telegram/SCNG
CSULB becomes the first university to support a reburial of Native American ancestral remains on a campus.
“As an alumnus of California State University Long Beach and first student to graduate with an American Indian Studies degree from CSULB, I am proud of my school for listening to our Indian Nation representatives and Indian Studies faculty and students for giving appropriate rest and protection to these ancestors so that they may fulfill their journey. This has been the only time that a University has given of its campus for repatriation and establishes a strong precedent for other institutions who have made their footprint on top of, and obtained research dollars from, Native American graves. I know that this repatriation has gone a long way to repair relations and create a strong bond between Indian Nations in Southern California and the University,” said Shannon Keller O’Loughlin (Choctaw), Alumnus and former member of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Review Committee, lawyer, and Chief of Staff of the National Indian Gaming Commission. (Ms. O’Loughlin’s views and opinions are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Indian Gaming Commission.)
Link to Press Telegram Article
Ancestors Final Journey Home
In 1953, Long Beach State Anthropology Professor, Dr. Ethel Ewing, was called to investigate a report of human remains and artifacts unearthed during the construction of the Los Altos Shopping Center. What was encountered was a cemetery linked to the ancient village site of Puvungna, the spiritual center of the Gabrieleno-Tongva tribe. What was once the expansive traditional land-base of the tribe, became economic fodder for land developer, L. S. Whaley, and his Los Altos Realty, Inc. in a post WWII urban setting. This scenario has repeated itself throughout the decades, as Southern California Indian cemeteries and sacred sites have been disturbed and destroyed as a result of uncontrolled development.
Universities, and other public institutions, have become repositories of Native American ancestral remains that were abandoned by a system that participated in salvage excavations and failed attempts to maintain the dignity of human remains while being used for research. After generations of ancestors physically confined within institutions, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 [1]implemented a change that would return the dignity and integrity to these individuals/ancestors.
In 1994, the ancestors of the Village of Puvungna were repatriated under the Native American Graves and Protection Act of 1990. Since then, there has been a concerted effort by culturally affiliated tribes, including the Gabrieleno/Tongva and Juaneno/Acjachemen, to rebury their ancestors on campus, the closest location to their original resting place.
It has been a long drawn out process, often a conflicting and unfriendly setting, through multiple CSULB presidents, finally finding resolution with the support of CSU Chancellor Tim White, interim President Don Para, Provost David Dowell, and with the support of CSULB President Jane Conoley, and her current administration who have embraced the reburial.
On July 23, 2016, the reburial ceremony was quietly held on campus, members of ten local tribes, including the Gabrieleno/Tongva, the Juaneno/ Acjachemen, and members of the Chumash tribe took an active part in the reburial ceremony. The ceremony took place on campus at a site collectively chosen by a collaboration between university and tribal representatives. After osteological investigation, the final count of individuals whose remains have been reburied increased from the original 21 to representing about 100 ancestors.
CSULB takes position as the first academic institution to complete a Native American reburial under NAGPRA on their campus. However, this reburial was not the first on campus. Prior to NAGPRA, in 1990, an ancestor was reburied on campus after it was unearthed during the installation of a sprinkler system. AIS Program Director, Craig Stone was a student at CSULB at that time and attended the meeting with then CSULB President Steven Horn in 1978 which resulted in the first reburial of an ancestor at CSULB in 1979.
The recent major reburial process was incorporated into the educational setting across campus linking eleven courses in an unprecedented three-year collaboration. The courses included are from American Indian Studies, Anthropology, Art, Design, Environmental Science and Policy and Recreation and Leisure Studies at CSULB with the consistent support of Vice President, David Salazar. The excavation was overseen by Dr. Sachiko Sakai, Cogstone Resource Management, Cindi Alvitre and supported by the CSULB Physical Planning/Facilities Management and their Staff.
A major role for many aspects of the reburial was performed by current NAGPRA Coordinator, Cindi Alvitre, who coordinated and oversaw the preparation of the ancestors for reburial by students, tribal community members, and scientists to correct a historical wrong.
Louis Robles, Jr., the Chairman of the Committee on Native American Burial Remains and Cultural Repatriation at CSULB is the son of the late Lillian Robles who along with Xoxa Hunut, Jimmy Alvitre, Jimmy Castillo, Anthony Morales, Rebcecca Robles, Cindi Alvitre, Rhonda Robles, Dwight Manuel, Georgiana Sanchez, Jan Sampson, Eugene Ryule, Jerry De La Moira, Craig Stone, Deborah Sanchez, Gloria Arellanes and many others, were actively involved in this on-going effort to rebury the ancestors.
It is with great pride that we announce the completion of this effort to rebury the ancestors at CSULB on the eve of the 2016 celebration of California Native American Day.
[1] https://www.nps.gov/nagpra/ The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was enacted on November 16, 1990, to address the rights of lineal descendants, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations to Native American culture. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was enacted on November 16, 1990, to address the rights of lineal descendants, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations to Native American cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. The Act assigned implementation responsibilities to the Secretary of the Interior.
Fall 2016 Lectures and Events
Fall 2016 Lectures and Events
The AISC & La Raza Indigenous People’s Day Celebration included a Columbus shaped Piñata
Date: Tuesday, November 1
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: USU Southwest Terrace
Title: American Indian Heritage Month Celebration Kick Off
Description: The American Indian community of Long Beach and Los Angeles will showcase the songs and dances of various Native cultures.
Date: Wednesday, November 2
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Location: Puvungna (adjacent to Parking Lot 20)
Title: Cultural Significance of Puvungna (CSULB)
Description: Cindi Alvitre (Tongva/Gabrielino), American Indian Studies Program Lecturer and CSULB NAGPRA Coordinator will provide an enriching narrative on the Indigenous peoples of the region by articulating the cultural significance of Puvungna (CSULB) and discuss the lack of culturally, environmental sustainable spaces. *Offered in collaboration with the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Series
Date: Monday, November 7
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Location: Multicultural Center
Title: Flora and Fauna Biodiversity of the Tongva/Gabrielino People
Description: Craig Torres (Tongva/Gabrielino), Ti’at Society member and cultural revitalist, will discuss the original topographical and maritime flora and fauna biodiversity of the Tongva/Gabrielino peoples. *Offered in collaboration with the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Series
Date: Tuesday, November 8
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Location: USU Ballrooms
Title: An American Genocide: The California Indian Catastrophe
Description: Professor Benjamin Madley, UCLA American Indian Studies and History Departments will lecture about the Genocide of California Indian people based on his recently published book titled “An American Genocide: The California Indian Catastrophe.” *Offered in collaboration with the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Series
Date: Wednesday, November 9
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Puvungna (adjacent to Parking Lot 20)
Title: Seri Comca’ac Women’s Artisans Cooperative
Description: The Seri Comca’ac Women’s Artisans Cooperative (from Mexico) will provide cultural exchange and expressions. Discussion regarding the reflective problematics of cultural sustainability within a transnational context will occur. *Offered in collaboration with the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Series
Date: Wednesday, November 16
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Location: Anatol Center (AS-119)
Title: Indigenous Plants and Cultural Sustainability.
Abe Sanchez (Perepucha), community leader and cultural revitalist, will demonstrate the utilization of traditional plants from the region for cultural and sustainable purposes. *Offered in collaboration with the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Series
Lacrosse at Puvungna
Dates: Saturdays Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17
Time: 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Title: Creators Game,” Lacrosse at Puvungna
Description: Indigenous youth and community are invited to come learn more about the Game That Pleases the Creator. Whether you have played the Creator’s game, also known as lacrosse, Stickball or have never seen the Creator’s Game before, there is a place for you to play and learn about this good medicine that is more than a game. We will be learning more about the indigenous origins of the game through storytelling, learn fundamentals of the game for playing, and then hold a Medicine Game each day. Each day will be started and finished with traditional drumming and singing. Special Thanks to Cindi Alvitre and the Tongva People for permission to use the sacred site of Puvungna.
LOCATION: Sacred Site of Puvungna,* campus of CSU Long Beach, located next to Lot #20. CSULB, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach CA 90840
PARKING: Daily parking permits can be purchased $5 per day, from yellow vending machines located in lots throughout campus. These lots are 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and parking structure.
CONTACT/RSVP: Thomas Reed (Oneida), (714) 343-2698, Thomas.reed714@gmail.com Indigenous Youth RSVP ahead of time for potential stick and gear giveaways.
*Puvungna is located off of Earl Warren Drive, General Parking Lot #20, across from the dorms, and just south of the Japanese Gardens. This is a non-sponsored campus event. Campus is handicapped accessible. Bring your folding chairs. Not responsible for theft, loss, accident, injury or personal expenses. Absolutely no alcohol or drugs allowed.
CSULB Campus Maps, http://daf.csulb.edu/maps/
The Creator’s Game at Puvungna
Ti’at Restoration Completed!
Restoration of Tiat Completed
On September 11, 2016 the Tiat restoration was celebrated with the launching of the Moommat Ahiko in Long Beach. The Tiat was restored after a restoration process that began in 2013. The American Indian Studies Program is honored to have been part of this collaborative effort with Tiat Society, the CSULB Student Chapter of the American Indian Science and Engeneering Society and the Department of Engeneering.
Launching of the Tiat in Long Beach in September of 2016
The Students who have been active in the Tiat Restoration and the Reburial presented at the 2016 SACNUS Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center on October 12 Link to SACNAS Conference Link to Dr. Keolu Fox on Kuelana and Science Link to Dr. Gregory Cajete Presentation
CSULB American Indian Student Presenters at the 2016 SACNUS Conference with AIS Faculty
AIS Faculty and Students welcome Native American attending the SACNAS Conference at the Native American Mixer.
AISES & SACNAS Student Leaders Veronica and Chris at the Engeneering Week of Welcome
Thousands of Latino and American Indians attend Keynote by Gregory Cajete, PhD, University of New Mexico (Santa Clara Pueblo) at the SACNAS Conference in Long Beach. Link to Cajete Presentation
Slide from Dr. Cajete lecture on how to integrate indigenous ways of knowing into science education.
Dancers at the SACNAS Pow Wow
Hundreds of SACNAS participants join the Round Dance
Hundreds of SACNAS participants join the Round Dance
Display of Tiat Restoration in Fine Arts Building 4
All CSULB students were encouraged to participate in this AISES sponsored project. Funded by the College of Engeneering. The College has a sustained commitment to supporting American Indian Students at CSULB and in 2012, the CSULB College of Engeneering was recognized as being #1 in the nation for granting Bachelor’s degrees in Engeneering to American Indians.
More information about the Tiat Restoration is listed below:
Tiat Restoration Mixer 4:15 September 12, 2014
Restoration Project
Under the direction of Marcus Lopez and Mike Anderson the Ti’at was moved to CSULB on Saturday, July 27. CSULB Students will be able to participate in repairing the Ti’at and learning more about the meaning and significance of this ocean going canoe during the Fall semester of 2014. In the Spring of 2014, Marcus Lopez (Chumash) kicked off the first event for the Tiat Restoration on Friday, April 25 at CSULB. Free lunch was provided to the participants which took place in the Engineering Department where the Ti’at will be repaired. (See: Ti’at Fliers) The Ti’at Restoration Project was featured in an Orange County Register Article. Link to Orange County Register Article.
Image of Ti’At by Magallanes and Edwards About the Photographers
Student Chapter Tiat Restoration Project featured in Spring 2013 issue of Winds of Change Magazine
The CSULB American Indian Science and Engineering Student Chapter will be repairing the Moomat Ahiko at CSULB this year. The Moomat Ahiko is a plank canoe that for the past 20 years has provided the Tongva and neighboring First Nations the pride and unity around the Indigenous Maritime culture . Since its conception, the Ti’At has succeeded in a variety of cultural voyages and village hops. Since the participation in the Ti’At Festivals in the island of Pimu (Catalina island), and participation at the Aquarium of the Pacific, International Music Festival, etc., the Moommat Ahiko has proven to be a sea worthy and cultural iconic vessel. Yet along with the uniqueness, the cultural renaissance of the Tongva Nation has been an illumination of the success of the Ti’At and Tongva peoples. And because of this success and past activity, the wear and tear of the Plank Canoe, it is time for repair and continuing of building a crew for future voyages.
About the Art 440/540 Course and the Faculty who are co-teaching this course.
Link to Article about Cindi Alvitre and The Ti’at Link to Article about Public Art from Last Year’s Class Link to Video of Public Art Project from Last Year’s Class Link to information about Cynthia Herrera Link to Craig Stone’s Public Art Project: Image Emergence, The Promenade of Clouds
We Are Changing — New Partnerships in AIS
We Are Changing — New Partnerships in AIS
Link to Daily 49er article about new Minor
The American Indian Studies Program has recently established partnerships in three colleges to offer a revised minor in Native American Cultures for students in majors leading to professions that impact the lives of American Indian People.
These partnerships began in the Fall of 2014 with a focus on Museum Studies/CRM, Anthropology, Social Work, Art History and Film as the first phase of changes to American Indian Studies and now include partnerships with nineteen departments and programs. In the Fall of 2016 we will expand our partnerships with the School of Art and with the Department of History with cross-listed courses in American Indian History and Contemporary Indigenous Arts in the United States and American Territories.
In the Spring of 2016 students in American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Art History, Comparative World Literature, English, Film & Electronic Arts, Geography, History, Human Development, Journalism, Kinesiology, Museum Studies, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Recreation & Leisure Studies, Social Work, and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies will be able to enhance their studies with the new AIS Minor and and graduate on time.
Students interested in learning more about the AIS Minor in Native American Cultures Link to New 15 Unit Minor or our new Certificate in American Indian and Indigenous Studies Link to 21 Unit Certificate are encouraged to contact the Director of the AIS Program, Craig Stone at: cstone@csulb.edu
Current AIS Minors should contact AIS Advising in PH 1, Room 104 to see if the new 15 unit Minor will help them to graduate in less time. 562.985.7804
American Indian Graduation Celebration
American Indian Graduates gathered with their families to feast and celebrate their achievements on Saturday, May 14th from 6-9 p.m. in the University Student Union Ballrooms. American Indian Graduates were honored with song, prayer, gifts and awards in the USU Ballrooms with over one hundred and thirty in attendance. Student, Alumni, Memorial, Prayer, Round Dance, Tongva and Kumeyaay songs were sung during the evening to celebrate these achievements and to honor and remember those who have gone before us.
Congratulations to our American Indian Graduates and we welcome you as our newest CSULB American Indian Alumni.
Image of Kathy Leonard who earned an Masters Degree in Education.
Below are photos by Mitzla Aguilera of the celebration.
Indian Hill Releases CD Live from Long Beach
Indian Hill releases new cd, Indian Hill : Live from Long Beach
Recorded live at the CSULB 46th Annual Pow Wow at Puvungna in March of 2016. The album consists of fourteen songs recorded when Indian Hill was our host Northern Drum. You can purchase a physical cd copy from Blood River Entertainment (or from any of the singers). Link to purchase CD
Digital Downloads can be purchased at the following links.
iTunes link Amazon link Google Music link Cdbaby link
California Indian Artist Gail Werner
Not to be confused with the Annual CSULB Pow Wow at Puvungna, the Hawaii based arts organization POW! WOW! Hawaii will return to Long Beach with the second year of the POW! WOW! Long Beach arts event. Link to POW! WOW! Long Beach
This 2016 season when POW! WOW! Long Beach returns, will include a mural by our own CSULB Alumna, Gail Werner (Cupeño, Luiseño, and Kumeyaay). The mural production will be lead by CSULB Alumnus, Ian Salt (AIS Minor and Art Major), assisted by AIS Minors, Art Majors and American Indian Student Council members. Link to Gail Werner’s Webpage
Spring 2016 Puvu Lecture Series
The Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Series returns for the second semester this April.
![CULTURAL [SUSTAIN]-spring2016](https://cla.csulb.edu/departments/americanindianstudies/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CULTURAL-SUSTAIN-spring2016.jpg)
Location: Cal State Puvungna (CSULB), LA5-355
‘Ekweenax Tovaangara” (Taking Care of the Mother Earth) the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Lecture Series is a Lecture Series that collaboratively brings together a series of speakers addressing the impacts of global warming and potential solutions for creating culturally and environmentally spaces for future generations. Speakers range from local Native Americans (Tongva/Gabrielino), a Purepecha community member, to City of Long Beach officials and CSULB administrators. Students will learn about the history of land (Puvungna) and “The People,” the original biodiversity of lands and oceans in Los Angeles and northern Orange Counties, the City of the Long Beach, Native American Food Sustainability Practices, and local responses, conflict-resolutions and problem-solving methods, for creating a sustainable future.
Biographies
Larry Rich, Environmental Coordinator of the City of Long Beach and CSULB alumni will provide an in-depth historical narrative on the topographical changes in the City of Long Beach and articulate the City’s struggles and successes for implementing sustainability programs.
Cindi Alvitre (Tongva/Gabrielino), lecturer for the American Indian Studies Program and Anthropology Department, will provide an enriching narrative on the Indigenous peoples of Los Angeles and northern Orange Counties by articulating the cultural significance of Puvungna (CSULB) and discuss the lack of culturally, environmental sustainable spaces.
Abe Sanchez (Purepecha), Promoter in the Revitalization of Indigenous Arts and Foods, will demonstrate the utilization of traditional plants from the region for culturally and sustainable purposes.
David Salazar, Associate Vice President of Physical Planning and Facilities Management at CSULB, will articulate CSULB sustainability practices and policies.
Craig Torres (Tongva/Gabrielino), Ti’at Society member and cultural revitalist, will discuss the original topographical and maritime flora and fauna biodiversity of the Tongva/Gabrielino.
Inquiries about the series should be directed to Larry.Smith@csulb.edu
Fall Lecture Series:
Congratulations to the CSULB Sustainability Community on an excellent Series coordinated by AIS faculty working in partnership with the American Indian Studies Program and the Film and Electronic Arts Department. Larry Smith is also overseeing the production of short films to document this lecture series.
“‘Ekweenax Tovaangara” (Taking Care of the Mother Earth): the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Series
Locations: Cal State Puvungna (CSULB), LA5-355, and LH-151
‘Ekweenax Tovaangara” (Taking Care of the Mother Earth) the Puvu Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Lecture Series is a Lecture Series that collaboratively brings together a series of speakers addressing the impacts of global warming and potential solutions for creating culturally and environmentally spaces for future generations. Speakers range from local Native Americans (Tongva/Gabrielino), a Purepecha community member, to City of Long Beach officials and CSULB administrators. Students will learn about the history of land (Puvungna) and “The People,” the original biodiversity of lands and oceans in Los Angeles and northern Orange Counties, the City of the Long Beach, Native American Food Sustainability Practices, and local responses, conflict-resolutions and problem-solving methods, for creating a sustainable future.
Biographies, Dates, Times, and Locations
Week 1
- Larry Rich, Environmental Coordinator of the City of Long Beach and CSULB alumni will provide an in-depth historical narrative on the topographical changes in the City of Long Beach and articulate the City’s struggles and successes for implementing sustainability programs.
Date and Locations: 10/26/2015, Monday, 2pm to 3:15pm, Location: LA5-355 — 3:30pm to 4:45pm, Location: LH-151.
- Cindi Alvitre (Tongva/Gabrielino), lecturer for the American Indian Studies Program and Anthropology Department, will provide an enriching narrative on the Indigenous peoples of Los Angeles and northern Orange Counties by articulating the cultural significance of Puvungna (CSULB) and discuss the lack of culturally, environmental sustainable spaces. Date: 10/28/2015, Wednesday, 2pm to 3:15pm and 3:30pm to 4:45pm at Puvungna (near Lot 20 and the Japanese Gardens).
Week 2
Abe Sanchez (Purepecha), Promoter in the Revitalization of Indigenous Arts and Foods, will demonstrate the utilization of traditional plants from the region for culturally and sustainable purposes.
Date and Locations: 11/02/2015, Monday, 2pm to 3:15pm, Location: LA5-355 — 3:30pm to 4:45pm, Location: LH-151
Seri Comca
‘ac Women’s Artisans Cooperative (from Mexico) at Puvungna will provide cultural exchange and expressions. Discussion regarding the reflective problematics of cultural sustainability within a transnational context will occur.
Date and Location: 11/04/2015, Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm at Puvungna (near Lot 20 and the Japanese Gardens).
Week 3
David Salazar, Associate Vice President of Physical Planning and Facilities Management at CSULB, will articulate CSULB sustainability practices and policies.
Date and Locations: 11/09/2015, Monday, 2pm to 3:15pm, Location: LA5-355 — 3:30pm to 4:45pm, Location: LH-151
Week 4
Craig Torres (Tongva/Gabrielino), Ti’at Society member and cultural revitalist, will discuss the original topographical and maritime flora and fauna biodiversity of the Tongva/Gabrielino.
Date and Locations: 11/16/15, Monday, 2pm to 3:15pm, Location: LA5-355 — 3:30pm to 4:45pm, Location: LH-151
Need Your Help Fundraising for Perpetual Scholarship for American Indian Students
Need Your Help Fundraising for Perpetual Scholarship for American Indian Students
We are nine-thousand dollars shy of our goal to make the Charlotte Standing Buffalo Memorial Scholarship Fund a perpetual scholarship. We have been given a three-month deadline to raise this money and to realize our vision to establish an endowment to support our American Indian students at CSULB. Please help us meet this goal by donating any amount you can to this fund and tell your friends and relatives to support this by clicking on this. Link to Give.
Forty-Six Years of American Indian Studies at CSULB
Forty-Six Years of American Indian Studies at CSULB
Founded in 1968, the American Indian Studies Program celebrate forty-six years as an independent program at Cal State Long Beach. Located on the ancient village site of Puvungna and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Sacred Site and the birthplace of an Indigenous Religion, CSULB is referred to as “the Beach” in reference to our location on the Pacific Ocean and as “Cal State Puvungna” in acknowledgement of the significance of our location at a sacred site that continues to be used for prayer and ceremony today. Serving one of the largest Urban American Indian populations in the United States, our urban intertribal American Indian traditions are celebrated during the second weekend of March at the largest and one of the oldest student sponsored event at Cal State Long Beach, the annual CSULB Pow-Wow. Now forty-five years old, over six thousand students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members attend our annual celebration of life that acknowledges the contributions of American Indians at Cal State Long Beach. The theme for this year’s celebration is “growing in two worlds” and refers to the ability of achieving balance in life. Special thanks to Pam Muro who translated the theme and has provided a link on how to say this in Tongva, “Growing in two Worlds”.