Samantha Johnson advocates for land return to Gabrielino Tongva community in LA City Council meeting

Samantha Morales Johnson, a member of the Gabrielino Tongva Band of Mission Indians, passionately advocated for Motion 221327 during the Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee meeting on March 1, 2023. This motion aims to identify surplus lands that could be transferred to historically marginalized groups, a significant step towards addressing past injustices faced by the Tongva people.

Johnson, who serves as the land return coordinator for the Tongva Tarahapah Conservancy, emphasized the importance of returning ancestral lands to her community. She highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Tongva people, who have faced three waves of genocide and now grapple with financial stress on their ancestral homelands. Johnson expressed hope that the motion could facilitate the return of lands, such as Kodavanga Springs, currently leased by the Los Angeles School District, allowing her community to heal and relearn traditional ecological practices.

In a related discussion, a stakeholder urged the committee to allow neighborhood councils to continue virtual meetings via Zoom indefinitely. With in-person meetings set to resume soon, the speaker argued that maintaining online access is crucial for ensuring democratic participation and openness within the community.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a growing recognition of the need for land restitution and the importance of inclusive governance in Los Angeles. As the committee considers these motions, the potential for meaningful change in community engagement and historical reparations remains a focal point for many residents.