The Gabrieleno Tongva Past and Present

Description

The Hermosa Beach Museum is proud to welcome Kimberly Morales Johnson, Tribal Secretary for the Gabrieleno Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and community elected commissioner for the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission, to speak on the Indigenous past and present of Los Angeles County. With topics ranging from long and storied Gabrieleno Tongva histories in the South Bay to Kimberly’s own work with the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, this presentation will be invaluable for anyone looking to learn about local history and culture. Join us on Thursday, October 9, from 6pm to 8pm, in the museum to hear her speak on Tongva culture and traditions!

Kimberly Morales Johnson is an active and enrolled member of the Gabrieleno Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. Dedicated to the preservation of her tribal traditions, she has been deeply involved in Native American politics and culture throughout her life. Her father, a former Tribal Chairman, was one of the first Native American Monitors appointed by the State of California. Kimberly and her family have been prominently featured in documentaries and several books that highlight the history and culture of the Gabrieleno/Tongva people of the Los Angeles Basin. In 2010, Kimberly earned a Master’s degree in Public Health and began teaching Diabetes Education with Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health. Shortly after, she returned to her true passion—teaching. Kimberly spent nearly a decade as a Special Education Teacher in Pomona before deciding to further her education. She is now a PhD Candidate in Native American Studies at UC Davis. In addition to her academic pursuits, Kimberly is the co-founder of the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy and currently serves her tribe as Tribal Secretary.