Exploring Indigenous Culture in Los Angeles

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Los Angeles basin was home to four primary coastal Indian groups: the Tongva (also referred to as Gabrieleño/Gabrielino), the Tataviam (known as Fernandeño by missionaries), the Chumash (from Malibu to Santa Ynez Valley), and the Ajachemem (Juaneño) extending from Orange County to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Today, descendants of these groups continue to live in southern California, preserving their heritage through sacred and cultural sites.

Moreover, several museums and cultural institutions in the region showcase the rich history of Native American tribes. With the presence of diverse Native American groups, Los Angeles boasts the largest population of First Peoples in the United States. Consequently, these communities actively participate in annual events such as powwows that highlight indigenous traditions.

Autry National Center

Located at 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, the Autry National Center serves as a museum dedicated to exploring the rich narratives of the American West. In addition to showcasing Hollywood legends like Gene Autry, the center features the collection of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, which is the second-largest collection of Native American artifacts in the nation. Visitors can enjoy ongoing theatre programs such as Native Voices focusing on Native American playwrights and an annual American Indian Arts Marketplace each November.

Bowers Museum

The Bowers Museum at 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706, boasts a collection of over 24,000 Native American artifacts. These range from basketry to pottery, showcasing the artistic heritage of various tribes. The museum particularly focuses on collections from the Southwest, along with prehistoric to contemporary artifacts representing diverse American Indian cultures.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Situated at 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County features the Lando Hall of California History, which highlights the lives of the first Californians. The exhibit displays authentic dwellings and household items that chronicle 400 years of history in the region.

Kuruvugna Springs Cultural Center and Museum

Located at 1439 South Barrington Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025, Kuruvugna Springs, also known as Serra Springs, is operated by the Gabrielino Springs Foundation. This cultural center features artifacts from the site and is open the first Saturday of each month, hosting the Life Before Columbus Festival in October to celebrate Tongva culture.

Heritage Park

Situated at 12100 Mora Drive, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, Heritage Park is a free outdoor museum showcasing a Tongva dwelling, sweat lodge, and granary. Constructed by volunteers from the San Gabriel Band of Tongva Indians, this site hosts an annual powwow that emphasizes California Indian traditions in the first weekend of November.

Wishtoyo’s Chumash Village

Located at Nicholas Canyon County Beach Park, 33904 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265, Wishtoyo’s Chumash Village is the only site in the area that has recreated a traditional village setting. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of multiple families and is active in habitat restoration nearby.

Chumash Indian Museum

Located at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, the Chumash Indian Museum encompasses a 346-acre park that features historical sites and educational programs about the Chumash people. While there is an entry fee for the museum, the hiking trails on the property are free to explore.

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

Situated at 15701 East Avenue M, Lancaster, California, 93535, the Antelope Valley Indian Museum showcases artifacts created by various American Indian cultures from the western Great Basin and California. This museum is part of California’s State Department of Parks and Recreation system.

Puvungna at Rancho Los Alamitos

At 6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach, California 90815, the site of Puvungna was historically occupied by the Tongva village. A designated area within Rancho Los Alamitos has been recognized as an official site where Tongva artifacts have been discovered, continuing to play a vital role in ceremonial practices today.

Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center

Located at Ranch Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, 4126 1/2 West Potrero Road, Newberry Park, CA 91320, this cultural center offers programs and exhibits created by the Friends of Satwiwa, including Chumash and Tongva contributions. It typically hosts outdoor programs near the kiche, a traditional domed dwelling, made in the indigenous style.

Native American Art Stores

In addition to museums, several independent shops specialize in American Indian art. These include the Indian Art Center of California in Studio City, Raindance at Shoreline Village in Long Beach, and the Native Collection at the Westside Pavilion in Los Angeles, providing unique opportunities to obtain authentic Native American crafts and art.

Powwows and Gatherings

Throughout the year, Los Angeles hosts various public events that promote Native American culture. Many of these celebrations take place in November during Native American Heritage Month, with additional events organized by community colleges and universities. The Southern California Indian Center organizes the largest powwow in the area, while the Moompetam Gathering of Coastal Indians is another notable annual event held at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.