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 Desiree, Diana and Denise.

Services will be held Monday, March 21, 2011 at Funerarias Del Angel J.T. Oswald, 1001 N Maclay Ave San Fernando, CA 91340.

Viewing from 9-11 am

Funeral services following at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Family will be having a gathering for anyone who wishes to join them at the Moose Lodge, 12178 San Fernando Rd following services.

He was loved by many, had a great sense of humor and will be missed by those who loved him.

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 his wife of 49 years, Teresa Guzman, who passed in October 2010. Two Hearts beating as one again.

Gilbert was born and raised in San Fernando is survived by his son, Gilbert Guzman Jr., Daughters, Kathy Ann, Lisa Ann and Deborah Marie, Brothers, Richard Molina and Edward Sierra; Sisters, Angie “Chiquita” Campero and Betty Jean Johnson; 12 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren; Papa loved his children and absolutely adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gilbert worked hard for many years as a Laborer for Local 300. He had a passion for deep sea fishing. His pass time was hanging out in his “Man Cave” watching his sports “Dodgers” and ‚”Lakers” His daughters are so ever thankful that they were able to share their last dances with their Father on New Years. He danced the night away, as he embraced the Love of his life through every dance by lifting his arms to the heavens above. His every wish was granted to the very last minute, until he took his last breath. Rest in peace our wonderful “Father”, no one can ever replace you. You made us all feel so special and you loved us all unconditionally. We will forever hold that in our hearts. Until we meet again. Love Your Children.

The viewing will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011, 11am at Utter McKinley Funeral home in Mission Hills, CA. Church services at 1pm and burial to follow at 2pm at San Fernando Mission cemetery. The celebration of his life will be at 4pm at The American Legion in San Fernando, CA.

The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians is please to announce the successful launch of ndn.me, a new Native American Social website.

Get the Story:
Group hopes to help people find native connections (The Los Angeles Daily News 9/10)

Tataviam “People facing the Sun” Day is a traditional gathering where tribal families enjoy a potluck, tell stories, play traditional games, sing bird songs in celebration of the summer solstice. This year the Fernandeño Tataviam tribal administration planned a two-day festival on June 19th and 20th, in coordination with the annual tribal meeting “State of the Tribe”.

Tataviam Days was held this year at El Cariso Park in Sylmar, were tribal families gather share and received update news from Tribe. Among the activities a special youth accomplishment ceremony was presented to acknowledge tribal youth for their success in graduating from their school. The awards with a small gift card was presented by Larry Ortega, Tribal President and Cathy Salas, Tribal Senator, Chair of Cultural Education.

Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center, a component of Pukúu Cultural Community Services is pleased to host to the third Basketweavers Gathering at the Haramokngna from Friday, August, 13 through Sunday, August 15, 2010.

For more information please visit Haramokngna’s website.

Two of our Fernandeño Tataviam youth, Ruben Ortega and Sabrina Ortega participated in InterTribal Youth Central California Indigenous Earth Science Tour to Owens Valley, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake and Yosemite Valley. The InterTribal Youth visited in July 2010 with Shoshone Paiute, Mono, Miwok Original Peoples and their ancestral lands. Our Tataviam youth excursion was with other Native youth from San Diego, Owens Valley and Eastern Sierra Native Peoples where they got to share and experience Native California.

Catherine Shirley Newman Traba, a Fernandeño Tataviam Tribal Elder, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at the age of 81. Shirley will be missed by all her family, friends, and tribal members. The funeral services will take place Monday, May 17, 2010 at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery located at 11160 Stranwood Avenue in Mission Hills, business telephone 818-361-7387.

You may help commemorate the life of our Tribal Elder by attending the funeral services below:

Viewing 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Rosary 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Grave site ceremony 12:00 pm

The Tribe is grateful for the support you can show Catherine’s family during this difficult time.

Tribal President has requested Tribal Senate to extend the deadline of Tribal Census to be submitted by tribal citizens. On Tuesday May 11^th Tribal Senate voted to extend the filing period to the end of June.

Tribal citizens who have yet to file their Tribal Census Survey have until the end of June to submit it in the office. Tribal Census forms are available for online to download and in the tribal administration office.

Download Census Form

In April 2010 the Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation committee, working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), organized two tours to visit the Burro Flats painted caves. The Burro Flats caves is an historical site that was used to celebrate the winter solstice.

“The trip was emotionally uplifting experience. I can see and feel the life my ancestors lived on this beautiful land, it brought back memories of my loved ones who told me so many stories growing up.” said Tribal elder Kathryn Sarenana.

The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians performed the opening blessing of the Grand Opening of the Cross Valley Connector on March 27, 2010 for the City of Santa Clarita. Fellow by the Mayor Laurene Weste cutting the ribbon, joined by council members Ender, Ferry, Kellar and McLean, and Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon.

Tribal Administrator Rudy Ortega Jr. and Issac Gonzalez (tribal member) performed the blessing with a traditional Tataviam song surrounded by audience of hundreds.