Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians

The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indian's region stretches from the San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita Valley to the Antelope Valley and can be traced as far back as 450 A.D. At that time the Tataviam people migrated from the north and settled in villages throughout the area. The villages were constructed on the south-facing sides of hills and mountains because they received the most sun light. The word Tataviam means "people facing the sun" and describes the Tataviam villages.

Latest News

  • Tataviam Awarded $1Million Dollar Education Grant


    California Tribe Envisions a Bright Future for American Indian Youth The U.S. Department of Education awarded the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians a grant to address educational achievement of American Indian high school students throughout Los Angeles County. EDUCATION – LEADERSHIP – CULTURE – SUSTAINABILITY The TAMIT (Teaching and Mentoring Indian Tarahat) program is [...]

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  • Rudy Ortega Jr. elected new Chairman of the LA Indian Commission


    The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission of Mission Indians is very pleased to announce that Rudy Ortega Jr., (Fernandeño Tataviam), has been elected Chairman of the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Other Commission officers elected; Chrissie Castro (Navajo), Vice Chairwoman; Cheri Thomas (Quinault-Yurok), Treasurer; and Duane Champagne (Chippewa), [...]

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  • Funeral Services for Tribal member Russel E. Salas


    Russell Edward Salas February 5, 1958 – March 8th 2011 Russell E. Salas passed away March 8th, he is survived by his mother Sarah Martha Salas; four sons, Richard, Vincent “Vinny”, Raymond and Gilbert; two daughters Crystal and Pricilla; two brothers William and Danny; five sisters Susie, Pasty, Debbie, Cathy and Bonnie, and three half-sisters [...]

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  • Passing of Tribal Elder Gilbert (Poyito) Joseph Guzman, Sr.


    Gilbert (Poyito) Joseph Guzman, Sr., age 72, proud member of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, and served on the Elder’s Council, went home to be with Our Lord and his beautiful wife. Passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, after a short illness at home in Sylmar. He was preceded in death by [...]

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