THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF THE TONGVA TRIBE: HOLLYWOOD'S DIRTY SECRET

"The Untold Story of the Tongva Tribe delves into the historical and contemporary struggles of the Tongva people, the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles area, highlighting their profound connection to the land that has been largely overlooked by Hollywood and mainstream narratives. The book explores how colonization began with Spanish settlers in the late 1700s, leading to forced conversions, labor exploitation, and significant cultural disruption for the Tongva. As they faced epidemics introduced by Europeans and were forcibly relocated to missions, their traditional way of life was severely impacted.
Key topics include the secularization of missions in the 1830s, which did not alleviate their plight but rather continued cycles of displacement under Mexican and American control. The rapid growth of Los Angeles further marginalized the Tongva as real estate ventures expanded into their ancestral lands. The book emphasizes the irony that Hollywood's wealth is built upon this dispossession while often ignoring Indigenous contributions to local history.

Notable insights reveal ongoing legal battles for recognition faced by the Tongva tribe today, alongside social and economic challenges. The narrative critiques Hollywood's tokenism and cultural appropriation regarding Native imagery without proper acknowledgment or respect for its origins. Ultimately, it calls attention to current efforts aimed at restoring sacred lands and protecting vital natural resources that are integral to Tongva identity and heritage.