Native American Concerns
Native Americans are a scattered people and continue to be a “shadow people at -large”. This past year a historical blessing fell upon the local indigenous tribes of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles whereas the Native American Protocols, a major step towards conciliation and reconciliation with the Church and the local bands of indigenous peoples (and a major effort for which Native American Concerns actively works) was signed.
Upon signing this document with members of the Chumash, Tataviam, Tongva and Acjachemen Nation, Archbishop Gomez pledged as a brother and friend to defend and encourage the cultures, languages, traditions and spirituality of the Native American Nations. This historical event is a concrete sign that the Native American tradition is to be respected and that it does have a place within the Church. Additionally, it opens the door and encourages active Native American participation in liturgy planning and it invites the Nations to be a shadow no more.
Pictured from left to right are Sylvia Mendivil Salazar, coordinator, Native American Concerns; Bishop Edward Clark; Teresa M. Romero, chairwoman of Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation; Chief Anthony Morales, Gabrieleño/Tongva, San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians; Archbishop José H. Gomez; Elise Tripp, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Elders Board; and Rudy J. Ortega Jr., tribal president, Fermandeño Talavian Band of Mission Indians. Photographs by VICTOR ALEMÁN/ANGELUS NEWS
