On September 20 and 21, Long Beach's Aquarium of the Pacific hosted the fourth annual Native American festival, Moompetam Gathering of the Salt Water People. Moompetam (which means “of the ocean” in Tongva) is comprised of several maritime tribes, including Tongva, Acjachemen, Chumash, Costanoan, and Luiseno.
As one of the speakers at the event pointed out, this was a rare opportunity to experience Native cultures up-close vis-a-vis storytelling, food, one-on-one conversations, music, and workshops.
Story/photos: Moompetam Gathering of the Salt Water People by RP
Moompetam Gathering of the Salt Water People