Venice Beach is located on the ancestral, unceded lands of Indigenous peoples of the Los Angeles Basin, most commonly referred to today as the Tongva, or Gabrielino-Tongva people.
You may also see the name Kizh (or Kich) used. In recent years, there has been a growing and important conversation about naming, how Indigenous people of this region historically identified themselves, and how those names have changed over time through colonization, documentation, and cultural reclamation.
Kizh is often described as meaning “people of this place” or “people of the earth.” Some also connect the word to traditional dome shaped willow homes, with the name reflecting the people who lived in those structures and their way of life.
It’s typically pronounced “keech” (rhymes with “peach”).
Some descendants and tribal groups identify as Tongva, a name that has been widely used in academic and public spaces. Others identify as Kizh, emphasizing it as a more original self-name connected to language, place, and identity. The term “Gabrieleño” comes from the Spanish mission system (Mission San Gabriel), and is still used today in various forms by different groups.
Today, there is not one single agreed upon name, but rather multiple living communities with their own histories, perspectives, and identities. Many public institutions in Los Angeles now acknowledge both Tongva and Kizh peoples in recognition of this complexity and continuity.
We know this is an evolving conversation, and we may not get everything exactly right. If you are a member of a local Indigenous community and would like to share insight or help us correct anything here, we would truly appreciate hearing from you.
🌿 Local Ways to Connect with the Indigenous Community
Tongva Learning Center at Ballona Discovery Park (Playa Vista)
Explore Indigenous history and ecological knowledge through interactive exhibits and native plant gardens - right up the road from the Playa Vista playground!
📍 13110 Bluff Creek Drive, Playa Vista
Tongva Park (Santa Monica)
This beautiful park (and water play area + playground for kids!) integrates native and sustainable plants with rolling topography inspired by the arroyo wash landscape. It honors the first people’s deep connection to the land and ocean and serves as a space for all ages to connect with nature and community.
📍 1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
While rooted in Chumash traditions, Wishtoyo works in partnership with other indigenous leaders and other Indigenous communities to protect sacred lands and waters.
Kuruvungna Springs Cultural Center (West LA)
A sacred natural spring and gathering space stewarded by the Gabrielino Tongva Springs Foundation. Offers educational tours and public events.
📍 1439 Barrington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy
A land return initiative and cultural hub focused on rematriating land to the indigenous people in what is now Los Angeles County.
Indigenous Mapping & Storytelling at UCLA and USC
Both universities offer occasional public events, panels, and land acknowledgment work in collaboration with Tongva scholars and leaders.
Our Commitment
We honor the indigenous people - past, present, and future - for their enduring connection to these lands.
At Venice Rising, we acknowledge our privilege to live and parent on this territory.
That’s why we donate to the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, a Native-led nonprofit working to protect lands, waters, and traditional lifeways - efforts that uplift all Indigenous and coastal communities in our region.
We’re doing our best to learn and honor the truth of this land - but we know we’re still learning. If you’re Indigenous to this region or have insight we’ve missed.
