Tribal bid for federal recognition could pave way for L.A. area’s first Indian casino

Sandonne Goad, chairwoman of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation, right, and U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove. A local tribe’s bid for federal recognition is getting a boost from organized labor and a member of Congress who recently introduced legislation that would extend acknowledgement status to the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation and create a 300-acre reservation within Los Angeles County. “It’s overwhelming, exciting and full of joy.” The bill touts support from leaders of the politically influential Unite Here Local 11, a union representing 32,000 hospitality workers in Los Angeles and Orange counties and greater Phoenix. But Kamlager-Dove said, “I’m really happy about the support from the union.” The effort is also supported by Sean Harren, president of Teamsters Local 986; Darrel Sauceda, chairman of the board at the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce; Dolores Huerta, president of the nonprofit Dolores Huerta Foundation; and Pastor William D. Smart Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California. “Los Angeles is home to more Native Americans/Alaska Natives than any other county in the United States and the mayor will continue to lock arms with the tribes, as we all work together to fight to make Los Angeles better for all,” said Zach Seidl, deputy mayor of communications.