About Us
The Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established to protect, preserve, restore and revitalize the Kuruvungna Springs and provide opportunities to inform the public about the Gabrielino~Tongva peoples.
The Foundation is a community organization dedicated to safeguarding this sacred and historic site, honoring the living cultural heritage of the Gabrielino/Tongva people, and fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s Indigenous histories, ecology, and ongoing traditions.
Community.
Education.
Heritage.
The Foundation conducts outreach programs in which teachers educate high school and college age students as well as the public about the environment and California Indian history with special attention given to the Indigenous Gabrielino-Tongva people which made the site at University High School their home.
We have created a cultural center at the site which now serves as a repository of cultural inheritances, historical documents, photographic holdings and other historical resources directly associated with the history of the Tongva people as well as the High School.
Our Story
-
In 1992 the 2-acre site had been abandoned and neglected. Descendants of the Gabrielino-Tongva, alumni of University High School and local volunteers began a campaign to preserve and protect the springs and began the cleanup and restoration of the site.
Alliances created with State Senator Tom Hayden and other community activists led to the formation of the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation (GTSF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring the Sacred Springs and surrounding area. The foundation now maintains the site under a lease agreement with University High School and LAUSD.
-
In 1998, the efforts of the foundation resulted in Senate Bill 1956, sponsored by Senator Tom Hayden and signed by Governor Pete Wilson, which provided $250,000 for the preservation of the Springs.
A Task Force of professional consultants, including Hydrologists, Planners, Architects as well as Native Americans and LAUSD staff was formed to create a framework for restoring and preserving the sanctity of the historic Gabrielino-Tongva village site.
The Task Force recommendations included the removal of invasive plants and replacement with native plants, use of spring water for irrigation, the creation of a Tongva village and gardens for education and cultural preservation, and the establishment of a museum and visitor center.
-
In 1998, the efforts of the foundation resulted in Senate Bill 1956, sponsored by Senator Tom Hayden and signed by Governor Pete Wilson, which provided $250,000 for the preservation of the Springs.
A Task Force of professional consultants, including Hydrologists, Planners, Architects as well as Native Americans and LAUSD staff was formed to create a framework for restoring and preserving the sanctity of the historic Gabrielino-Tongva village site.
The Task Force recommendations included the removal of invasive plants and replacement with native plants, use of spring water for irrigation, the creation of a Tongva village and gardens for education and cultural preservation, and the establishment of a museum and visitor center.