Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
Fernandeño Tataviam arts and culture
The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indian’s homeland stretches from the San Fernando Valley and Santa Clara Valley to the Antelope Valley and can be traced as far back as 450 A.D. The Tataviam people have continued to maintain a local tribal government since those times. Despite a lack of federal acknowledgement as a recognized American Indian Tribe, the Tribe defies limitations in its continued perseverance to defend the rights of Fernandeño Tataviam people as Indian people. Their programs consistently target the entire community, from children to elders, showing their unwavering commitment to the betterment of Tataviam and all Native people in Los Angeles.
Living Cultures Grant Program
2021
In 2021, a grant from ACTA’s Living Cultures Grant Program will support their virtual Language Through Songs series. During a series of 8 virtual music sessions spread across the four seasons, Native language use will be reinforced through music, seasonal songs, and construction and use of traditional instruments.
2011
As a grantee of ACTA’s Living Cultures Grants Program in 2011, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians received support for their Tataviam Fiesta, a gathering which will encourage members of Southern California tribes such as the Tongva, Chumash, Kitanemuk, and Yahavitam to join with the Tataviam to play traditional games (such as Waw’kish, a version of field hockey), sing songs (such as Bird Songs), dance, and break bread together. Traditional artists will be teaching Bird Singing and regalia-making and creating Waw’kish leagues.
