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.

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.

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”.

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.