As a Native American, I was dismayed to discover that Santa Monica’s ORIGINALLY displaced people (the Tongva tribe) are not included on the city’s Below Market Housing (BMH) “First Priority” eligibility list. Whether or not the omission was intentional, to leave out the Tongva would be a culture insult of the highest degree.
I have sent my request to the Santa Monica City Council and the City’s Housing Department, and am awaiting a reply.
The only HONORABLE way to address historical displacement is by including Tongva descendants on the “First Priority” eligibility list for Below Market Housing.
Respectfully,
Kay Blanco, Santa Monica