Supervisor Barger Recognizes Tribal Firefighters Who Helped Save Communities During January Wildfires – Pasadena Now

Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Vice President Mark Villasenor performs a welcome song (Photo credit: Bryan Chan/LA County)

As Native American Heritage Month draws to a close, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger honored the tribal nations whose fire departments stepped forward to help battle the Eaton and Palisades wildfires earlier this year.

When the fires swept through communities in January, fire crews from 15 tribal nations traveled from across California, Oregon, and Arizona to protect lives, homes, and natural resources during an unprecedented and dangerous chapter in the region’s history.

“In January, tribes came to our aid in our time of need,” Barger said. “Their response reflects generosity, partnership, and a shared commitment to co-stewarding this land. Our Los Angeles County Fire Department relied on the incredible support of these tribal fire departments to provide mutual aid when it mattered most. I’m honored to welcome representatives from several of these tribal nations here today.”

Representatives from the Barona Band of Mission Indians, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation joined Barger in person to take part in the recognition ceremony. It was preceded by Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Vice President Mark Villasenor performing a short welcome song.

Supervisor Barger presented commemorative scrolls to the tribal leaders and fire officials as symbols of appreciation and as commitments to continued partnership.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone also spoke, reflecting on the magnitude of the firefight. “It is my honor to recognize the service and courage of the firefighters from these tribal nations,” Marrone said. “I extend my deepest gratitude to their governments for supporting us as we battled these unprecedented wildfires. Never in my 39 years of service have I seen fire behavior like what we experienced. As we move forward, we will continue learning and adapting, including incorporating the fire management practices long used by Native American tribes to promote resilience across our landscapes. On behalf of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with us to save lives and protect our communities.”

Images from the January battle documented the Navajo Scouts firefighter crew. Loren Tsosie, Deago Yanez, and Tyron Barber were pictured resting after finishing work on the Eaton Fire on Jan. 17, 2025. Other photos showed crew members kicking up dust as they cleared debris from a landslide across a hillside road.

Fire Chief Keith Alexander of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation expressed deep appreciation for the recognition. “On behalf of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and San Manuel Fire Department, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Supervisor Barger and the entire Board of Supervisors for recognition of our efforts,” he said. “Your acknowledgement not only honors the bravery of our personnel, but also uplifts the spirit of our nation. We are proud to stand alongside the Los Angeles County Fire Department to protect lives and the land that we all cherish.”

The fifteen tribal nations that contributed mutual aid during the Los Angeles wildfires included the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, Klamath Tribes, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Navajo Nation, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pechanga Band of Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and the Yurok Tribe.

Leaders from the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission were also present, including Chair Shawn Imitates Dog, Vice Chair Mark Villaseñor, Commissioners Dr. Andrea Garcia, Vivian Garcia, John Only A Chief, and Rich Toyon, and Executive Director Alexandra Valdes.

Each year, the commission selects a theme for Native American Heritage Month. This year’s theme was Firekeepers: Honoring Tribal Firefighters, Indigenous Stewardship, and Future Ancestors. “I cannot think of a more fitting theme to acknowledge all Los Angeles County has endured and overcome in 2025,” said Supervisor Barger.

Los Angeles County continues to strengthen collaborations with local tribes and the American Indian and Alaska Native community. Recent efforts include the formal celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, development of an inclusive Land Acknowledgement, partnership to produce a comprehensive Harms Report, and funding to support the County’s Tribal Consultation Policy, which ensures Native voices are meaningfully incorporated into County programs and decisions.

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