Introduction of guest speaker -Dave Friedman.
Please join me in welcoming Rudy Ortega Jr, who is going to talk about the indigenous people of the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and Simi Valley. Rudy has followed his father, Rudy Ortega Sr. as a leader in the tribes.
Rudy Ortega Jr. acknowledged he was happy to join our meeting today.
He described the history of these peoples from the time of the California Missions. The present tribal members, trace their lineages back to the San Fernando Mission. In 1843, there were 43 lineages/tribes in these valleys but now there are only three, consisting of less than 1000 members. In the late 1800's, due to brute force, taxation and court decisions in 1878, the indigenous peoples lost most of their land and ability of most to remain as tribes and sovereign nations.
Mr Ortega pointed out that the Spanish name for his people is "Fernandeno" but their name in their language is "Tatavian". He gave some samples of meaning of prefixes used by his people in their language, for example "bit/vit" means "I am from/of".
He also provided listings of different political leaders, administrative departments and cultural centers for potential contacts.
P.S: For a complet Bio of Rudy Ortega, please visit our website greatervannuysrotary.org
Maria Valencia shared with everyone that she is a descendant of the Pueblo Indians.
Judy Joke:
Wynne Ritch: We all had a good laugh.
President ended the meeting by reminding members once again to please invite guest to our next meeting as this is crucial to our membership growth.
Zoraida reminded everyone that our next Board of Director's Meeting will be held on August 28, 2020, at 1:00 PM.
