Presbyterian Church Returns Land to Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Council

The Historic Land Return: A Milestone for Native American Reconciliation

In a landmark move, a regional body of The Presbyterian Church (USA) has returned land to a Native American tribe in California, marking a significant step towards reconciliation. The Presbytery of San Gabriel has donated the La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center to the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, led by Chief Anthony Morales of the Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Council.

This community center, once vibrant in serving the Latino community for the past 80 years, had to cease operations due to inadequate funding and demographic shifts. The official handover of the land took place during a ceremony in August, attended by representatives from the Presbyterian Church and the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, alongside San Gabriel Mayor Denise Menchaca. More information about the ceremony.

A spokesperson from the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians highlighted that the Gabrieleno Tongva have called this area home “since time immemorial,” with a history of their ancestors being displaced and enslaved at the San Gabriel Mission in the 1770s. They described the land transfer event as “a beautiful day full of joy, community and hope,” and outlined future plans for the center, emphasizing cultural preservation, the cultivation of native plants, and community gatherings.

Originally built in 1929, the facility requires several updates, including enhanced roofing, plumbing, and an accessible ramp compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The tribe has launched a donations campaign to support these renovations.

This recent act of goodwill has inspired other church organizations to inquire about engaging in reparations and reconciliation efforts. “We are optimistic about the doors this can open,” shared a tribal spokesperson.

Wendy S. Tajima, Executive Presbyter of the San Gabriel Presbytery, acknowledged the long-standing relationship with the tribe and expressed awareness of the historical injustices inflicted upon them by Christian missionaries. “It was time,” she stated, “to offer a permanent base to the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and to atone for past sufferings.” She emphasized that the property’s proximity to the tribe’s ancestral village and its legacy as a community center made it an ideal location for this purpose.

Tajima described the land return ceremony as “a wonderful and blessed day,” featuring symbolic exchanges, prayers, and presentations of future plans by tribal representatives. She reflected on the partnership, noting, “Though many Native Americans have rejected Christianity due to its oppressive history, we were warmly welcomed by a tribal elder to join in Christ’s healing journey.”

She concluded by expressing faith in the process, stating, “We believe Jesus led us to the transfer, God blessed us before the transfer and continues to bless us into the future, and the Spirit of reconciliation was strong through this whole process.”