Heritage
Tribal Captains
Traditionally, political leadership was decentralized amongst the diverse villages, until the founding of Mission San Fernando.
Before colonization, the Native Americans were affiliated with the villages they were born into. These villages were sovereign state-like governments that held territory, laws, dispute resolution, control over the legitimate use of force, and decentralized hereditary leadership vested in individuals. Each village held a captain that would oversee the lineage and negotiate with other captains to maintain harmony in the community. Leadership titles were provided to people in certain hereditary lineages who demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the history, culture, and ceremonies. Thus, before colonization, dozens of captains existed simultaneously in the San Fernando, Simi, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys.
Once the Spanish enslaved the villages at Mission San Fernando, the lives of the Native Americans changed drastically, which created the new centralized Fernandeño political system and economy that co-existed with their distinct village identities. Further, the friars of Mission San Fernando recorded in diary entries that the Fernandeños would only listen to other Fernandeños. Thus, the Fernandeños would elect their own representative called “alcaldes” annually to represent their affairs to the Mission, but held no actual legal status or political power in the Spanish government.
Ancestral
Captains and Headpersons
Headpersons, an appointed position: Generally, each family at a village appointed a leader, or Headperson. According to this traditional role, each family appointed a Headperson of their family. Within each family, the decision of the Headperson was final and there was no higher appeal. Today, this traditional still holds true.
Captain, an elected position: The mission alcalde system introduced elected leadership of a “Capitan” or captain, and leadership based on multi-lineal constituents. Before the mission, the lineage Headpersons were the primary leaders. The last mission alcalde was elected in 1846 and thereafter, a Fernandeño leader was elected as Captain of the Fernandeños.
Contemporary
Today, the practice of lineage Headpersons is still prevalent. In addition to this hereditary role, lineages continue to appoint a Captain of the Tribe as well as hold elections for the Tribal President. In many ways, political leadership and organization remain consistent with traditional patterns. As in the past, lineage Headpersons today organize the community for the collective benefit of their families, lineages, and all citizens. While leaders are elected under the constitution, the traditional lineage and family ties continue to influence leadership and management decisions. Each of the constituent lineages retains considerable political and social autonomy, and the leaders must respect the autonomy of individuals, families, and lineages in their exercise of governance.
Ancestral
Captains and Headpersons
Headpersons, an appointed position: Generally, each family at a village appointed a leader, or Headperson. According to this traditional role, each family appointed a Headperson of their family. Within each family, the decision of the Headperson was final and there was no higher appeal. Today, this traditional still holds true.
Captain, an elected position: The mission alcalde system introduced elected leadership of a “Capitan” or captain, and leadership based on multi-lineal constituents. Before the mission, the lineage Headpersons were the primary leaders. The last mission alcalde was elected in 1846 and thereafter, a Fernandeño leader was elected as Captain of the Fernandeños.
Contemporary
Today, the practice of lineage Headpersons is still prevalent. In addition to this hereditary role, lineages continue to appoint a Captain of the Tribe as well as hold elections for the Tribal President. In many ways, political leadership and organization remain consistent with traditional patterns. As in the past, lineage Headpersons today organize the community for the collective benefit of their families, lineages, and all citizens. While leaders are elected under the constitution, the traditional lineage and family ties continue to influence leadership and management decisions. Each of the constituent lineages retains considerable political and social autonomy, and the leaders must respect the autonomy of individuals, families, and lineages in their exercise of governance.