Kizh Tribal Treasurer Nadine Salas reads to her dad, Kizh Chief and Spiritual Leader Ernie Perez Teutimez Salas, the plaque dedicated to the tribe’s sacred site on the corner of Commercial Street and Vignes Street in Los Angeles. The plaque recognizes that the spot was once where a large sycamore tree stood, marking burial grounds and a place of religious ceremony. The tree was called “El Aliso” by the Spanish, who believed the natives were worshipping the tree, unaware that in fact, they were praying for their ancestors buried nearby, according to Kizh Tribal Chairmen Andy Salas.
Natasha Brennan 