Tongva is the traditional language of the Tongva (Gabrieleno) Nation-the original people of Los Angeles and parts of Orange County . Tongva consists of several languages, but is mostly simplified Tongva, borrowed Spanish and borrowed English. This data has been derived from a number of resources with informants including JV Rosemeyer (1903), Jose Zalvidea, Jose de los Santos Juncos, Felicita Serrano Montano (1914-1922), Jesus Jauro (1932-1933) documented by Meriam and Harrignton. First language speaker contributors include tribal members Narcisa Valenzuela Perez & Adele Perez Dominguez. Current language instructors include tribal members Seth Johnson and Alexis Duro (MLS/MEd).

The San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians (SBMI) Gabrieleno/Tongva represent the historical indigenous tribe of the County of Los Angeles and Greater Orange County. Spanning from the Los Angeles Basin to the islands of Santa Catalina, San Nicholas, San Clemente, and Santa Barbara. The SGBMI have maintained an unbroken presence on these ancestral lands since long before European contact.

A California State Recognition Resolution was granted to the SGBMI by the State of California in 1994, solidifying our integral role within the Southern California Tribal community. Our legacy is well-documented in records from local Catholic Missions, city records, and archives of both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. While cultural and historic sites thrive throughout the County, the Tribal Headquarters remain near the San Gabriel Mission in one of our traditional villages named Sibagna in present day San Gabriel, California.
Governed by a democratically elected 4-member Gabrieleno-Tongva Tribal Council and traditional hereditary Chief (descendant of Captain Romero), the Tribe ensures general operations are conducted efficiently, with oversight from the SGBMI Tribal members.

The Tribe's vision is centered on nurturing traditional values and ethics for future generations while safeguarding the foundations of Tongva and American Indian culture. Preservation of traditional culture is paramount, alongside fostering unity among nations and educating non-Native citizens about our history and culture. We focus on passing on our ancestral traditions to our children and educating surrounding communities about our Tribal existence. Our Tribe's long-term goals are identified as the following:

-to exercise our inherent right to sovereignty through self-governance and self-determination,
-providing essential services to our members,
-strengthening our economic development,
-preserving our cultural heritage and managing natural resources,
-protection of our ancestors and artifacts,
-maintaining unique government to government relationships with city, state and federal entities, and
-to ensure the enduring legacy of our Tongva people.

If you have any additional Tongva language inquiries or would like to learn more about our language revitalization program, please email tongvalanguage@gabrieleno-nsn.us .