It seems appropriate on Thanksgiving weekend, when settlers sat down and broke bread with the indigenous people of America, to talk about the contributions from Native American tribes during the Eaton and Palisades fires in January.
As part of Native American Heritage Month, Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger on Tuesday, Nov. 25, honored 15 tribes from California, Oregon and Arizona for helping fight the fires alongside firefighters from L.A. County, the city of L.A. and numerous other fire departments.
These included: the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, Klamath Tribes, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Navajo Nation, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and the Yurok Tribe.
These 15 tribal nations sent crews into the ferocious fires to dig fire breaks and point fire hoses in efforts to tame two fires that killed 31 people and destroyed over 16,000 structures on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8.
Their firefighting efforts were part of a mutual aid pact with the LA County Fire Department, according to the county.
“They stood united with local, state and federal partners committed to safeguarding homes, loved ones and sacred lands,” said Barger.
The L.A. County Fire Department, with direction from the Board of Supervisors, have strengthened partnerships with tribal nations who have lived-in experience with the rugged lands in and around L.A. County, Northern California and other Western states.
“For generations, native peoples have cared for these lands, as a way to honor and respect the natural environment and to ensure future generations inherit a stronger and more resilient L.A. County,” Barger added.
“Your acknowledgement not only honors the bravery of our personnel, but also uplifts the spirit of our nation. We are proud to stand alongside the Los Angeles County Fire Department to protect lives and the land that we all cherish,” said Keith Alexander, fire chief of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
Scrolls honoring each tribe were handed out by Barger, then several fire chiefs from the tribes spoke at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, as slides of the tribal firefighters in January flashed on the screen. Leading off the presentation was Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Vice President Mark Villasenor, singing a welcome song meaning “come be with us,” he said.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said his firefighters can learn a lot from the tribes in terms of better care for the land and better wildfire prevention tactics.
“Because we have removed fire from our natural environment, we must learn the fire management practices of the California Native American tribes, where forest and fuels are managed more effectively,” Marrone said.
“As we move forward, we will continue learning and adapting, including incorporating the fire management practices long used by the Native American tribes to promote resilience across our landscapes,” he added.
The theme for this year’s Native Heritage month is: “Firekeepers: Honoring Tribal Firefighters, Indigenous Stewardship, and Future Ancestors.”
Said Barger: “I can’t think of a more fitting theme to acknowledge all Los Angeles County has endured and overcome in 2025,” Barger said.
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