Venice Beach is located on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Tongva people, who have lived on these lands - from the Channel Islands to the Los Angeles Basin for thousands of years.

You may also see the name Gabrielino–Tongva, which combines a colonial-era designation given by Spanish missionaries (“Gabrielino,” referring to Mission San Gabriel) with the people’s own name, Tongva. While "Gabrielino" was imposed by colonizers, many Tongva descendants use the hyphenated name today to both acknowledge that history and honor ongoing traditions.

The term “Tongva” was coined in the early 20th century from the village name Toviscangna - though not originally used as a unified tribal name. Over time, Tongva descendants have embraced it to reconnect with their cultural identity. Meanwhile, the name Kizh (or Kich) is also favored by some descendants, reflecting a deeper reclamation of their own autonym.

Tongva Learning Center at Ballona Discovery Park (Playa Vista)
Explore Tongva 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 Tongva 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

Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation

While rooted in Chumash traditions, Wishtoyo works in partnership with Tongva 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 Tongva 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.

We honor the Tongva people - past, present, and future - for their enduring connection to these lands.

At Venice Rising, we acknowledge our privilege to live and parent on Tongva 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, we welcome your voice. Please leave a comment, reach out, or help us improve this post. Your guidance is deeply appreciated <3