 We are deeply saddened to hear of our friend Julia Bogany's passing. Though she will be missed by so many, her legacy will live on through her incredible work in support of the Tongva community.
Last year, we asked Julia to write the land acknowledgment for our production of Sweet Land. These are her words: We, the Indigenous People, the Traditional Caretakers of this landscape are the direct descendants of the First People who formed our lands, our worlds during creation time. We have always been here. Our Ancestors prepared and became the landscapes and worlds for the coming humans with order / knowledge and gifts embedded in the landscape. Our Ancestors, imbued the responsibility and obligation to our original instructions, guided by protocol and etiquette to be part of, take care of and ensure the welfare of the extended family and community defined in its most inclusive expression, the NATURE, and to pass those teachings and responsibilities onto our children, grandchildren and many generations to come. (And to all those that now live here). — Julia Bogany, Gabrieleno Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians
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 Honoring the passing of Julia Bogany
On behalf of the American Indian Studies Center, the AIS IDP, and the Special Advisor to the Chancellor on Native American and Indigenous Issues, we write with our deep condolences and to honor the passing of Julia Bogany, who joined the ancestors this past weekend. Julia was a Tongva cultural educator, innovative teacher, appointed cultural advisor of the Gabrielino Tongva and counselor to many institutions. At UCLA she was part of numerous projects and undertakings to ensure that campus broadened its relationships to the original land caretakers. In addition to participating in many of our events, Julia was a community collaborator on research projects such as the NSF-funded Diverse Perspectives on Water, on which she was currently serving as a community advisor. She also served in an advisory role to the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens, helping us to establish Tongva-orientated spaces on campus. Julia provided key input on the development of the UCLA Land Acknowledgement and worked extensively with the Special Advisor on topical issues ranging from the establishment of a reflection area on UCLA campus, returning of ancestors, developing important Tongva Cultural education with Mapping Indigenous LA, connecting between Kuruvungna Springs and UCLA community, to addressing other areas of Tongva presence on campus. In addition, she was a collaborator in the community coalition Indigenous Education Now, of which the AISC is also a part. These were just first steps, and Julia had many plans for deepening our connections at UCLA. Her presence and guidance throughout the years will be deeply missed, as will her friendliness and passion for youth and education. We are honored to have known her, thankful for the opportunity to have worked with her, and grateful to have learned from her. Julia’s strength, wisdom, and cultural knowledge will be truly missed by all of us here at UCLA. -Shannon Speed, Director UCLA American Indian Studies Center -Randall Akee, Chair American Indian Studies Program -Mishuana Goeman, Special Advisor to the Chancellor on Native American and Indigenous Issues  Anahucalmecac is saddened to hear the crossing over of our beloved Auntie Julia Bogany. During our 2016-2018 Native American Youth to College Summer program, Anhuacalmecac students were blessed to be mentored and learn first hand from Tongva Elder in Residence Auntie Julia Bogany. We remember her drive, love, and individual commitment to the youth in the program and for her pride for her people the Gabrieleno Tongva. Most recently we were also honored to work with Auntie through the Indigenous Education Now Coalition.
In our hearts, and in spirit always, Nana Julia Bogany, ¡PRESENTE!✊🏽 |
AuthorJulia Bogany is a teacher, activist, and member of the Tongva tribe dedicated to the teaching, revitalization, and visibility of Tongva language and culture. Archive
April 2021
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