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Blog #3: Remapping of the Tongva Lands

(villages of the Tongva tribe)

European colonizers often tore apart Native American tribes through their mapping, as the maps were more focused on trade and sympathy toward Indigenous people was extremely small. The maps made by the colonizers were maintained for centuries, so the true location of some tribes was lost. The Tongva tribe was located in Southern California, with most of their villages being spread over Los Angeles. Since LA has now largely forgotten those that once occupied the land, descents of the Tongva have felt disconnected from their culture. 

Making amends for a culture that was displaced centuries ago can be difficult, as the descents may not feel the effects of their ancestors losing their homes. The proper method of apology differs between Indigenous people. Remapping, however, is a form of amends that many accept, as it connects them with a culture they thought was lost. With the help of the LA Times, the Tongva were able to learn where the villages of their ancestors were located and even learned about the environmental effects of European colonization and modern infrastructure. Though remapping is usually done through individuals with expertise in geography and history with little to no input from government officials, so there is no recognition from the government.

Comments

  1. Mackenzie JFebruary 16, 2022 at 12:00 PM

    Hi Shannon! I really like your amendment idea. I think remapping would be really helpful in creating a connection between the descendants of the Indigenous people and their culture, and also a connection between people who are not indigenous and the Indigenous people. Seeing the Tongva’s land frequently on a map would be a reminder of the history in those locations and what is still there today.

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