Anthropology students gain a passion for respecting the land they research on as they listened to indigenous archeologist Desireé Reneé Martinez talk about the parts of indigenous archeology on Mar. 22.
The presentation spoke on deconstructing what students knew about traditional archeology, teaching them new methods on how to respect the tribes who still live on California lands, specifically those of the Gabrielino Tongva Nation.
“This presentation was so important and a way for us to spread awareness and to gain more knowledge about the other people who live on this earth with us,” said Anthropology Club President Karla Ramirez.
“We’ve had a diverse amount of topics in this club, talking about greener aspects of anthropology, but also getting local perspectives and what within our community we can learn and preserve our culture here,” said club member Devon Ingram.
The Gabrielino Tongva Nation has lived in what’s known as the Greater Los Angeles Basin, since before documentation, but is still not recognized as a tribe by the federal government.
“The biggest thing is indigenous people still exist all over the United States, we are the one percent of the one percent, the Gabrielino Tongva tribe,” said Martinez.
Martinez explained the ways anthropology students and those outside of the subject can better educate themselves and help the natives around their own local, as the tribe does not own any land federally.
“We actually were in contact with Long Beach City College in planting some of the plants that are needed, and some institutions are helping as well,” said Martinez
While most children learn the three R’s of reduce, reuse, and recycle, Martinez taught the students what it means to the tribe instead to respect, recognize, and have responsibility.
“One of our main goals as a club is to better understand not just the world around us but each other, respect,” said Ramirez
These steps were brought along with the eight portions of the indigenous archeology statements Martinez presented.
“So you recognize that the indigenous people were here and are still here, and you respect that connection, and now it’s your responsibility to do what you can to keep those connections not severed,” said Martinez.