LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commemorated the renaming of Yaanga Park today with a ceremony alongside Native American leaders in what was formerly known as Junipero Serra Park. View pictures here.
“It is my honor to be here as we conclude Native American Heritage month with this dedication,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “This is a perfect example of something that is long past due. It’s a moment that gives me such pride, as an Angeleno and as a Californian, because we’re going against a current in our country that is ignoring and denying our history. But in Los Angeles, we are celebrating and recognizing all of our history. This is what makes our country so powerful and strong. It makes our people so powerful and strong, for all that we have endured and continue to persevere.”
The park’s new name was selected by local tribes and the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission (LANAIC). Earlier this year, Mayor Bass met with the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission (LANAIC) where a dedication and signage to honor the park’s new name was discussed as part of her continued efforts to lead the city collaboratively. Mayor Bass is the first Mayor of Los Angeles to attend and participate in a LANAIC meeting.