Tribe Gets Seat on Fernando Board

A silver lining has emerged after the vandalization of the Native American obelisk at Warner Center Park during last May’s civil unrest: the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians now holds a seat on the board of the monument’s sponsor, the Fernando Awards Foundation.

“We need to give significance and recognition to the people who started the San Fernando Valley,” said David Honda, a foundation director and principal of Woodland Hills-based David Honda Construction.

Fernandeño Tataviam Band Chief Vice President Mark Villaseñor will represent the tribe on the board.Villaseñor told the Business Journal: “The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians is seeking entry to the Fernando Awards board to provide local tribal representation within the traditional lands that the statue resides on. Through a meaningful relationship, we hope to bring awareness to the FTBMI and its causes, as well as other local tribes who call Los Angeles home.” The path to indigenous representation started with the protests that unfolded last spring following George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minnesota, leading to internal reflection among Fernando board members.The conclusion, Honda noted, is that the Fernando Awards’ symbol not only reflects the Valley’s indigenous roots, but “represents the leadership, loyalty and the comradery of the Native American.”