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1999 Pilgrimage in honor of Ancestors
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| ORA-64, where 650-800 ancient graves up to 9000 years old were secretly destroyed and the
bones "reburied". |
Lillian Robles and Jimi Castillo led the march, which assembled late, only 26 at this spot
(the Bear Dancers could not appear, and there was another
function at Kuruvungna Springs, as well as Los Cerritos Wetlands board meeting). Much attention, honking, encouragement,
a large flock of bikers waved greetings. Castillo stated that it was not possible to re-sanctify the sites, that
would be a reflection on their original burial rites. Lillian Robles gave a great talk at the base of the condos,
all got to make offerings to show the Ancestors that we would do what we could to preserve the land. There were
signs for all. Back at the corner, Lillian reclining in a chair, Castillo gave a good talk about respect for the
land, and how we need to consider impact of concrete artifacts on all living creatures -- because it does not belong
there. Even the little ones, the worms which cannot make it across the blacktop and die, are constrained from aerating
the soil as they were intended to do. There was a brief talk about the history of the Tongva and their predecessors
the Hohan (sp?) peoples. |
| BOLSA CHICA MESA, under attack for a 1235 unit housing tract, site of ancient village and
home to many raptors and other creatures |
Group grew to over 50, marched inland, the wetlands looks better and better. The Herons were
out, a turkey vulture (perhaps homeless when Bixby cut down the 700 trees in Seal Beach) was perched on one of
the trees. After inspirational speeches at the ancient village site by Lillian, who hectored the crowd on how Native
American faces are needed at the Coastal Commission, and how all of us, even euros, perhaps even Republicans, need
to help preserve the land. Lillian's slogan this time was "SHAME, ORANGE COUNTY" and "IF YOU DON'T
RESPECT THE PAST, YOU CAN'T PROTECT THE FUTURE".Everyone was able to make an offering to show the Ancestors
that we were doing what we could to preserve the land. |
| "Puvungna East", former HELLMAN RANCH in Seal Beach, which was threatened by a
golf course and housing tract |
A nice showing at Gum Grove Park overlooking the wetlands on the former Hellman estate. Once
again, fine speaches, and everyone
went off to make their offering and pray. Richard Silva talked about how the land looked before all the development.
He grew up around the old ranch houses, and stated, "none of this was here, it was absolutely gorgeous. Not
anymore. I feel fortunate to have grown up in such a beautiful place."
The wetlands here have, for now, been saved, and the housing tract is also in doubt. Against the backdrop of this
modest victory, Lillian Robles stated, "...it's too late for Harbor Cove [site of ORA-64, above]. We can't
do anything, now, about what happened there. The corporations have spoken. But it's not too late for Bolsa Chica
and Puvungna East!." Once again, Robles encouraged those who care for this land and the creatures it still
supports to make an appearance at the Coastal Commission when it considers Bolsa Chica (and, later, when Puvungna
East comes up again). |
| PUVUNGNA, last remains of the sacred village which is located on the site where Cal State Long Beach was built |
Potluck, with over 70 attending. Yet another speech about the importance of attending the
Coastal Commission meeting, about the history of Puvungna, about Lillian's out-facing the bulldozers. Lillian called
for everyone to sign
up for the CCC, that she would rent a bus. Names were collected, and a really positive atmosphere for the whole
day. Jimi Castillo pointed out that Lillian has done a great deal, and others must help her now, and take up some
of the burden. Planning should be started now for next years march. Many more topics discussed, among them were
such as the Hellman legal and permit situation, the Bolsa Chica lawsuits, possibility of getting Long Beach to
recognize the Tongva, Gabrielino/Tongva, Gabrielino/Shoshone
as the indigenous people of the region and "our" First Nation, possibility of getting some FN input on
the Hellman case, etc., all in all a lot of positive energy propelled by Lillian and Jimi's speeches. AIM were
present in force, good to see them again! Some Chumash, many Acjachemem (Juaneno), at least one Cherokee, a day
as beautiful as Lillian's soul. |