On Sept. 26. children and adults learned about the history of our school, enjoyed club activities and informational booths, and celebrated the culture and heritage of the Tongva people.
“It was a wonderful experience. I was honored to learn and be part of our native historic cultural festival. I enjoyed the variety of activities and the native songs, which created a warm and welcoming atmosphere,” said Akeem Lainez, a senior. The Gabrielino Tongva Indians, also known as the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, are the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles Basin. The water in the springs is considered a people once used the springs as a natural fresh water source. The tribal leader of the Tongva Indians is Anthony Morales, and the president of the Gabrielino Tongva Springs Foundation is Angie Behrns. The festivities started with a blessing in the Tongva’s native toungue. The entertainment featured indigenous flute players from Mexico and Peru, Azteca dancers, the Tongva’s deer and rowing dance. The deer dance symbolized a deer hunt, and the rowing dancesymbolized the Tongva people rowing in a canoe. The purpose of Gathering at Kuruvungna is not only to remind people that there was life here before the Europeans, but to also celebrate the heritage of the Tongva people.There were many hands on activities that included a basket weaving demonstration, tours of the Kuruvungna Village site and springs, and a cultural display of Tongva history and artifacts. The Gabrielino Tongva Springs Foundation, whose main goal is to work together with the community to preserve and protect the springs, sponsored the event. Uni also hosted its first Annual University High School Public School Showcase, in which the public schools in the area and Uni presented information about their programs. Alumni also sponsored a classic car show and the Alumni Picnic that featured vintage automobiles. Uni clubs also sold food and had games for everyone to enjoy.