Santa Monica City Council
Santa Monica, CA
February 25, 2023
To the City Leadership of Santa Monica,
It comes to our attention that the controversial mural is going to be once again displayed in City Hall due to the pressure by those ignorant of our people's painful history. Ironically the image portrayed is not one of historical accounts, but instead, an artist's conception based on which we and the State of California know as disturbingly inaccurate storytelling.
Conception is just that: an idea that is left to the interpretation of those who view it. So let us tell you how it is perceived and interpreted by those descendants whose ancestors were held in captivity at the supposed era this image depicts. While you may see my ancestors drinking water, we see slaves granted a drink while under guard. We see slaves being used for a water contamination test while the sword of the mounted conquistador pointed directly at the neck of the native as he condescendingly sits above, for it was those swords that struct down many of my ancestors who were unwilling to worship a foreign religion.
What you leaders need to ask yourselves is, "what if one is to replace the natives with black men, and Junipero Serra with a slave owner? Would it still be as appropriate? Would it still be acceptable art?” The answer is NO. Because it brings the same content to our minds as it would a black man if he were to see that imagery in a place where all men are supposed to be considered equal. Or if you can, imagine the Spaniard Soldiers replaced with any other military that had a history with the natives here and it would STILL be of negative connotations at ANY past historical level. We ask you to please reconsider your intentions to display this mural and have the common decency to think of those who this image offends and help move us forward not backwards.
Chairman Nicholas Rocha
Gabrielino-Shoshone Nation of Southern California