Gabrielino Tongva Tribe - California (U.S.)
Keywords: gabrielino tongva tribe | tongva indians | california | native american |
Gabrielino Tongva Tribe
Index to North American Native Bands and Nations
The Tribe, not federally recognized yet, obtained the state recognition nevertheless, and promptly split into three competing factions, two pro-gambling, and one anti-gambling ones. Among the two pro-gambling ones, they split into the "slash" group (Gabrielino/Tongva Tribe) and the "hyphen" group (Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe). The last one, proposed to build the first Las Vegas-style casino in the urban area in California, in Garden Grove, just two miles away from Disneyland in Anaheim.
Despite the enormous financial windfall for the cash-strapped city, the city council, dominated by the Vietnamese, rejected the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe's proposal, citing the social impact it could have on the large Vietnamese community in the city, known for its propensity to gambling.
The total membership in all Gabrielino/Tongva subgroups is approximately 1,500, but that number is vigorously challenged by the U.S. Federal Government's Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Chrystian Kretowicz, 15 April 2008
Pro-Gambling "Hyphen" Group
image by Chrystian Kretowicz, 15 April 2008
Those who followed the acrimonious debate about the change of the seal of the Los Angeles County some three years ago, will recognize the elements of the new County's seal in the flag of the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe.
Pro-Gambling "Slash" Group
Flag of the other, pro-gambling, ("slash" group) of Gabrielino/Tongva with the offices in Tustin,CA (Orange County) and still searching for the site of the casino in Greater Los Angeles Area. Their flag features the tribal seal similar to the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe, but with few different elements. The Tribal Chairwoman at present is Ms. Virginia Carmelo.
Anti-Gambling Group
The original band, which opposes gambling (for now, at least) obtained the State recognition in 1994 and is pursuing the Federal one, but the process goes very slow. It maintains offices in San Gabriel, CA and is led by the Tribal Chairman - Anthony Morales.