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TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2001

Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Calif.) last week introduced a bill to extend federal recognition to the Gabrieleno / Tongva Tribe of California.

The tribe, according to historical documents, is descended from the signatories to the Fort Tejon Treaty of 1851. The existence of tribal members has been noted by the federal government since then through attempts to reorganize the tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act and other actions.

The state of California has recognized the tribe and has recommended the tribe receive federal recognition. The tribe is located primarily in Los Angeles County and portions of Ventura and Orange Counties.

Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) generally opposes legislative recognition, preferring tribes go through the more rigorous acknowledgment process at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Still, he has introduced a bill to set up an independent recognition commission.

Tribes who have been terminated can only be restored by Congress.

Today on Indianz.Com:
Muwekma Tribe denied recognition (7/31)

Get the Bill:
To reaffirm and clarify the Federal relationship of the Gabrieleno/Tongva Nation (H.R.2619)

Relevant Links:
Rep. Hilda Solis - http://www.house.gov/solis