Native America Heritage Month (Photo – iu.edu)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved two motions reaffirming the County’s commitment to honoring Native American heritage, visibility, and sovereignty.
By News Desk
The first motion, co-authored by Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, proclaims November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in Los Angeles County. The second, authored by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis, updates the Countywide Land Acknowledgment to reflect current tribal affiliations listed by the California Native American Heritage Commission, ensuring continued recognition of the First Peoples of this region.
“Los Angeles County stands firmly with our Native communities as we celebrate their enduring resilience, cultural vitality, and leadership,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “As we honor Native American Heritage Month, it is equally important that our words match our actions. Updating the County’s land acknowledgment is a necessary step in our ongoing journey toward truth, healing, and justice.”
Supervisor Horvath added, “This November, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by honoring the first peoples of this land and the vibrant communities who continue to shape Los Angeles County today. Their resilience and creativity remind us that heritage is not only something we remember, but something we live and carry forward together.”
Nationally recognized each November, Native American Heritage Month honors the rich history, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of Native peoples while offering opportunities for education, reflection, and action in support of Native voices.
Los Angeles County is home to a vibrant American Indian and Alaska Native population representing more than 200 tribes. Over the years, the County has built strong partnerships with tribal leaders, Native-led organizations, and community advocates to advance equity, cultural preservation, and justice.
As part of this year’s observance, the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission honored Native leaders and organizations exemplifying the spirit of creativity, tradition, and community. Honorees include Tencha Chavez (Diné/Navajo) for the Spirit of Community, the Chapter House for the Spirit of Tradition, and Meztli Projects for the Spirit of Creativity.
The Board also recognized the extraordinary service of 15 tribal nations whose firefighter crews aided in responding to the January 2025 wildfires across Los Angeles County, including the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Navajo Nation, and Morongo Band of Mission Indians, among others.
Originally adopted in 2022, the Countywide Land Acknowledgment has now been revised with direct input from local tribal nations and updated listings from the California Native American Heritage Commission.
“Updating the County’s land acknowledgment is about more than words,” added Solis. “It is about affirming our shared responsibility to address historic harms, strengthen government-to-government relationships with tribal nations, and ensure that every County resident understands the deep history and living presence of Native peoples across this region.”
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