The distinct community of the present-day Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (Band) originated in the lineages, villages and culture of the pre-Mission period. The Band is an independent nation, exercising its inherent sovereign authority over its tribal citizens and territory.

Mission San Fernando was established on September 8, 1797 at the village of Achoicominga.

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The Fernandeño Tataviam people have continued to maintain their tribal government since time immemorial. During the era of the Spanish Missionaries to the Mexican government, the Tataviam were referred to as the Mission Indians of San Fernando (Fernandeños). Following the annexation of California, the United States Indian Affairs grouped the Fernandeño Tataviam and other numerous Indian villages at Fort Tejon (Sebastian) Indian Reservation. In 1892 the Indian Affairs recognized the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians under the Mission Indian Relief Act.

The unceasing political authority of the Tribe derives from the will of the Fernandeño Tataviam people. Today the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians is governed by two branches of Tribal government entrusted with the duties of defending the Fernandeño Tataviam Constitution and the rights of all Fernandeño Tataviam people.

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The distinct community of the present-day Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI) originated in the lineages, villages, and culture of the pre-Mission period. Mission San Fernando was established on September 8, 1797 at the village of Achoicominga and, for years following, enslaved our ancestors from the traditional villages in the geographically surrounding area, ranging from present-day Simi Valley and Malibu in the west, Cahuenga and Encino in the south, Tujunga in the east, and the present-day Tejon Ranch in the north. Before the founding of Mission San Fernando, our ancestors in the region lived in autonomous lineages within villages.

These tribal lineages, or tribelets, consisted of speakers from the Takic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language, who intermarried with individuals from other linguistic groups within the area, as well as strengthened economic, social, and cultural relations with those outside of their language group by practicing exogamy. Each lineage held territory and maintained political and economic sovereignty over its local area, but was also linked through social exchange to neighboring villages and lineages.

History

The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians is dedicated to preserving and enriching our tribal culture by celebrating our shared traditions that have given us identity and meaning with a wisdom that still guides our lives.

We embrace our community roots and look forward to continuing to be present in all facets of engagements. if you wish to get in touch, please check out the forms below to better help us connect us together.

To honor the memory of those who have struggled on our behalf for dignity, respect, and prosperity, the Tribe continues its commitment to our current and future generations. As a tribal community, we breathe life into our ancestral ways through the following:

Tataviam Days – re-establishing our traditional fiesta complete with singing, dancing, games and activities for children and elders. This year we will be honoring graduates and fathers.

Monthly Cultural Workshops – Our Cultural Learning Director will be hosting monthly workshops to share our songs and dances with tribal members.

Language – The Cultural Learning Director is currently working with two CSUN students to create Coloring Books for our children and a 3rd Grade Workbook for local area youth.

Community

Pukúu, Cultural Community Services currently operates numerous programs to strengthen Indian identity, promote self-sufficiency, and nurture healthy family interactions.
Pukúu

Haramokngna originally opened in 1998 with a Special Use Permit from Angeles National Forest.
Haramokngna

The Tataviam Land Conservancy (TLC) is a non-profit organization focused on protecting the traditional territory of the Fernandeno Tataviam people through protective land management, cooperative agreements, and innovative cultural and educational programming.
Tataviam Land Conservancy (TLC)

KAYAK

Any member of the public may launch a non-motorized, steerable boat, such as a kayak or canoe. See site map for the access points (A1 & A3). Swimming is not permitted. River conditions and hazards are subject to change without notice. For those who do not own their own equipment, several organizations provide rentals and guided tours of the River Recreation Zone. This portion of the river typically has Class I flows where the water is easy to paddle in. There are three spots where it may be difficult to navigate one’s boat over rocks. The kayaker will likely need to get out of the boat and portage (walk) their boats over the rocks. Portage areas are indicated on the map.

FISH

Fishing is allowed along the non-restricted banks of the Los Angeles River and from a boat in the Sepulveda Basin. Fishing is not permitted on the restricted banks which stretch from Hayvenhurst Channel to Burbank Boulevard, to protect wildlife habitat. A fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is required. Fish species in the Los Angeles River include largemouth bass, tilapia, green sunfish, and mosquito fish.

EXPLORE

There is much to explore within the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone at the Sepulveda Basin. Native habitat and wildlife flourishes in the soft-bottom portion of the river. You are welcome to walk along the banks of the river that are clearly marked with signs. Swimming is not permitted.

The L.A. River Recreation Zone is in the Pacific Flyway, which is a major north-south flyway for migratory birds and a huge variety of birds visit here to hunt for food and rest. Great Blue Heron are often seen feeding on fish and frogs. Duck, osprey, and snowy egrets are frequently sighted near the densely vegetated shoreline.

This area is also home many bird species including the Federally Endangered and State Endangered Least Bell’s Vireo bird. Portions of the riverbanks are restricted to fishing and pedestrian use during nesting season to protect their sensitive habitat. These areas are indicated by red lines on the map.

LA River Recreation Zone

All property within the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin is owned by the Los Angeles District Corps of Engineers, but more than 80% of the land is leased out for recreational and agricultural uses. Sepulveda Dam, completed in 1941, is a dry-land reservoir, with the purpose of controlling runoff from nearby San Gabriel, Santa Monica, and Santa Susana Mountains.

Besides the Encino and Balboa golf courses, the Balboa Sports Complex, and the model airplane field, most of the Basin was devoted to agriculture (corn and then sod farms). In the mid-1960’s, Burbank Blvd. was extended across the Basin. In the 1970’s the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation built the Donald Tillman Water Reclamation Plant within the Basin (over the objections of the Corp of Engineers).

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife

The Sepulveda Basin portion of the L.A. River Recreation Zone is one of two segments where the Los Angeles River has a natural earth bottom, fostering a riparian habitat. The Sepulveda Basin River Recreation Zone extends for two miles and features some of the best kayaking, fishing, and bird watching in the L.A. basin. It is a quiet retreat from the neighboring commotion of urban activity.

The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area was originally designed as a flood control basin, and its 2,000-acre expanse includes a wildlife reserve with crucial habitat space; the Sepulveda Dam; the Tillman Water Reclamation plant, which treats 40 million gallons of water per day; Anthony C. Beilenson Park; Lake Balboa; and The Japanese Garden.

Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area