Students and coalition members urge Los Gatos to back MuMA Aloney tribe's bid for federal recognition

Multiple students and community advocates urged the Los Gatos Town Council on Dec. 2 to write a letter of support for a local tribe seeking federal recognition.

Sudanva (identifying themself as a leader of the Indigenous Justice Coalition and a lead intern for the "MuMA Aloney" tribe) asked the council to show local government support, saying city backing can help persuade Congress by demonstrating community support. "I strongly urge you to consider writing a letter of support for the tribe," Sudanva said.

Other student speakers reiterated the request. An intern identified as Parker said meetings with local, state and federal politicians revealed two recurring concerns among elected officials: unfamiliarity with the tribe's legal standing and reluctance to engage in a politically complex process. Parker said Bureau of Indian Affairs research and university studies support the tribe's claim and that a 2022 federal-court ruling had recognized aspects of the tribe's status, a line echoed by other speakers.

Gavin Chang said local museums, university research and cultural events demonstrate the tribe's deep ties to Los Gatos and Santa Clara County. Ray Hei said city-letters of-support from other Bay Area cities have not been rare and framed such letters as part of a coalition-building effort that could reach Congress.

The council took the comments during the public-comment period; no formal council action to write a letter was recorded during the meeting.

What happens next: Speakers said they would follow up with council members after the meeting and request a formal letter; council members did not take immediate action during the session.