News Summary
Local tribes in Long Beach express frustration as Cal State Long Beach falls two years behind in appointing a caretaker for the sacred Puvungna land, crucial to Indigenous heritage. The land, once over 500 acres, now only spans 22, representing a significant cultural loss. Despite a 2021 settlement to ensure stewardship, CSULB’s response has left local communities feeling neglected and unheard. The ongoing struggle reflects deeper issues of historical mistreatment and the need for respect and care for sacred Indigenous sites.
Long Beach Residents Express Frustration as Cal State Delays Stewardship of Sacred Puvungna Land
In the vibrant city of Long Beach, the air is thick with disappointment as local tribes grapple with the news that Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) is two years behind schedule in appointing a caretaker for the sacred Puvungna land. This land, holding tremendous significance for local Indigenous cultures and history, is at the heart of a growing controversy.
Background on Sacred Puvungna
The mere mention of Puvungna sends ripples through the community, especially among the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians and Acjachemen Nations-Belardes, who view this site as their ancestral home. With its roots tracing back to over 500 acres, Puvungna has now shrunk sadly to just 22 acres, a shadow of its former self amid urban development.
Believed to be the birthplace of creation, the land is more than just dirt and grass; it symbolizes the very essence of cultural traditions. Many Indigenous peoples, including those from the Gabrielino/Tongva nations, have deep connections to Puvungna, which serves as a backdrop for numerous significant ancestral ceremonies.
A History of Struggle and Disappointment
The plight of Puvungna took a legal turn back in 2019, when a lawsuit was filed against CSULB after the university carelessly dumped 6,400 pounds of debris onto this sacred site. Though a settlement came about in 2021, mandating the university to finally engage in a *true stewardship process*, CSULB has since failed to meet its two-year deadline.
Subsequent to the lawsuit, ties between CSULB and local tribes were briefly strengthened through biweekly meetings. However, communication has since dwindled, leaving many disappointed. In April 2024, CSULB announced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a land steward, but this came a year late according to the original settlement agreement.
Who’s Stepping Up for Stewardship?
In recent attempts at stewardship, the Friends of Puvungna organization has been taking care of the land for over 30 years. Unfortunately, they found themselves shut out when CSULB rejected their proposal to assume stewardship duties, citing questions over funding, experience, and potential conflicts of interest.
Even though they are the only entity that has been actively engaged with the land, CSULB is still mowed just twice a year by university staff, whereas the Friends of Puvungna engage the community in more meaningful ways, including planting and hosting the popular Ancestor Walk event since 1997, which celebrates cultural traditions.
The Bigger Picture
As CSULB plans to issue a second RFP, it maintains it cannot proceed without securing long-term funding, adding yet another layer of frustration for tribal leaders. This situation is a reflection of broader issues concerning the historical mistreatment of Native populations in Southern California, which many community members feel is further exemplified by CSULB’s handling of this sacred space.
The ongoing dialogue about Puvungna is as much about reclaiming right as it is about cultural identity. The local tribes emphasize that this land is a vital representation of their culture and history—something that deserves respect, care, and protection.
In Conclusion
With the ongoing challenges surrounding the stewardship of Puvungna, community members are coming together to highlight their frustration and assert their rights. The dream of proper care for their sacred ancestral land remains unfulfilled, igniting a renewed call for accountability. As the deadline slips further away, the hope persists that perhaps, one day soon, Puvungna will receive the stewardship it so richly deserves.
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Additional Resources
- Signal Tribune: Friends of Puvungna Preservation CSULB Denies Lone Applicant
- Wikipedia: Puvungna
- Long Beach Current: CSULB’s 10,000-Year-Old Sacred Site Puvungna Still Has No Steward
- Google Search: Puvungna
- Press Telegram: CSULB’s Student Paper Rebrands as The Long Beach Current
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indigenous Peoples
- ABC 7: Puvungna CSULB Long Beach Native American
- Google News: CSULB Puvungna
