The Gabrielino

This is the best source of information I have found of the Native Americans who called themselves Tongva. They lived in northern Los Angeles - in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley. Easy to read and fully illustrated.

When previously living in Los Angeles it was very difficult to think of the Native Americans who had previously inhabited that area. It is fairly common knowledge that Los Angeles was originally called "Bahia de los humos" or "Smoky Bay" due to the campfires of the Native Americans who lived in that area. But just who were those Native Americans. Due to forced assimilation in the Spanish encomienda mission system, less protection under the Mexican government, and even less under the Americans, this vibrant and well adapted people have disappeared. The book also includes a chapter and photographs of the lost woman of St. Nicholas, the last of her people.