By Tom Lopez (Santa Ynez and Tipu Rancheria–Northern Chumash)
Revitalizing the tomol has brought our community together in many ways. We have tomols that are built by our people who are extremely talented wood workers. We work together and repair our tomols and make new paddles.
Every year we have our annual channel crossing to Limuw. We will have paddling practices on the weekends and all community members are invited. We start every practice with all of us gathered in a circle. Chumash prayers, offerings and songs in our language. We share stories, food, and games.
We all contribute in some way to keeping our history alive. Through our efforts our history has remained alive. Many of our elders lead by example. Our youth have become the language speakers, the singers and dancers. We have artists who excel in the making of our regalia and other cultural items.
The tomol was first seen by Europeans in 1542, over 400 years ago. To still paddle is an honor to our history. It’s physically demanding, and it can be spiritual too. This is our world, true California history. I will always be a part of this, so that our children can identify who they are.
The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
Autry Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462 In Griffith Park across from the Los Angeles Zoo. Map and Directions
Free parking for Autry visitors.
MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
DINING Food Trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252. The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.