The Kizh Nation
Our Work
Like our ancestors before us, we, the Kizh People actively protect our traditional culture and the resources that made us the most powerful and influential complex of Village States in precontact California. Our language was the lingua franca of the region due to our complex trade system the provided resources and art from our shores deep into the American Southwest. Shell beads and jewelry and soapstone art and tools made by the hands of our ancestors can be found at nearly all of the precontact cities of the Pueblo People as far away as Southern Colorado. This commitment to protecting our resources and we are often noted and honored for doing so.
01
Rio Vista
In 2024, the City approved the preservation of the ancient Palmer Oak, also known as the “Jurupa Oak,” as part of the Rio Vista Specific Plan. Estimated to be over 13,000 years old, the Palmer Oak is one of the oldest known living organisms on Earth. To ensure its protection, the City partnered with the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians, Kizh Nation, to designate the land surrounding the oak for permanent preservation.
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02
Mural to Chief Ernie Salas
The mural, commissioned by the City of El Monte and created by California graffiti artist Man One, honors the memory of Kizh Nation Chief Ernest "Ernie" Teutimez Salas, who passed in 2021 at 88.
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03
OC 405
The Kizh Nation was selected by the Native American Heritage Commission as the Most Likely Descendants and they worked with Cal Trans and OC405 to respectfully repatriate the remains of dozens of ancestors unearthed during road construction activities.
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