Santa Monica Mosaic: Sacred Springs

The Santa Monica Conservancy is excited to present Mosaic: Sacred Springs. This livestream program highlights the presence of the Tongva people at Kuruvungna Springs, through the voices of local tribal leaders. Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation president Bob Ramirez will present a historic overview of the Tongva in our region and the village site and Indigenous archaeologist Desiree Martinez will offer a closeup view of daily family life at a typical Tongva village like Kuruvungna, from favorite foods to recreational activities and spiritual practices.

Kuruvungna, meaning “place where we are in the sun,” was a thriving Tongva village surrounding the site of ancient springs that provided fresh water for the village. Later, the springs inspired the naming of Santa Monica and served as an early source of its water supply. The springs are also pictured in the history mural at Santa Monica City Hall, which is the subject of the City’s current Reframe initiative. Today, Kuruvungna Springs can be found on the grounds of University High School in West Los Angeles and is preserved and protected by the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation.

This program is a joint presentation of the Santa Monica Conservancy and Santa Monica History Museum.

(Photo by Leslie Hall, courtesy of the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation.)