FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2023

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez Celebrates Native American Heritage Month with Exceptional Recognition Ceremony

Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, in collaboration with the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission, hosted a poignant and inspiring Native American Heritage Month Celebration at the iconic LA City Hall yesterday. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans and their significant contributions to the community.

During the ceremony, several outstanding individuals from the Native American community were honored for their exceptional dedication and service:

– Spirit of Creativity Award: Angeleno designer and founder of Born X Raised, Spanto, was recognized posthumously for his remarkable creativity and contributions to the community. His daughter danced in his memory, symbolizing the enduring impact of his work.

– Spirit of Community Award: Roberta Javier received this prestigious award in acknowledgment of her tireless efforts to help children achieve their dreams. Her unwavering commitment to the betterment of young lives has made a lasting difference in the community.

– Spirit of Tradition Award: Jimi Castillo was honored for his invaluable teachings within the Native American community, emphasizing the values of selflessness, humility, and the fundamental belief in the redemption and healing of all individuals. Castillo’s lessons have profoundly impacted his community, fostering a sense of unity and understanding.

Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez expressed her gratitude, stating, “The future is safe, because of the preservation, the story telling, the opportunity that each of us has to continue to tell these stories to future generations to be protected, to be preserved, to be cherished. Your dedication to creativity, community, and tradition embodies the spirit of the Native American Heritage, and we are immensely proud to celebrate these achievements.”

The Native American Heritage Month Celebration at LA City Hall served as a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving cultural diversity while fostering unity and understanding among all communities.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ashley Reyes, ashley.reyes@lacity.org
Monica Escobar. monica@the3collective.com
Dario Molina, dario@the3collective.com