The city of Santa Clarita proudly celebrates the generations of rich Native American history across the valley and in Southern California.

Through education and inclusion, residents can learn more about the Tataviam tribe, which still calls Santa Clarita their home, through the efforts of the Santa Clarita Public Library and the local Fernadeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. At last night’s city Council meeting the city proclaimed November 2022 as Native American Heritage Month in Santa Clarita and recognized the work and partnership between the city and the FTMBI.

“This month is a time to recognize, celebrate, foster and promote the well-being of the Indigenous nations across the country and right here in our Santa Clarita Valley,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “In Santa Clarita, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians continues to strengthen ties in the community by creating new educational opportunities that benefit all of our residents.”

After the original launch in 2019, the Santa Clarita Public Library, in collaboration with the FTBMI and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, is excited to re-launch the Yawáyro Kits at each local Library branch. These kits focus on fostering cultural awareness and literacy of Indigenous People through a curated selection of book titles, materials and museum donations such as animal pelts and historical maps. From kits about Native American folklore to cultural traditions, these are all available to be checked out by schools or residents at each Library branch.

For more information about the Yawáyro Kits or Native American History Month, please visit the library’s website.