". . . One of the women organizers was told the protocol of requesting an Elder of the land to do a prayer and failed. This march while impressive in numbers of attendees was poorly organized, lacked communications, provided no measures for medical emergencies, no American with Disabilities access or safety, no aisle to the staging area and completely disrespect the first people and Ancestors of the land. . . ." -- Gloria Arellanes, Tongva elder
Full statement: Indigenous People and Sacred Lands Disrespected at L.A. Women's March by Gloria Arellanes
Update: At the 2018 Women's March, held on January 20, the Tongva, including Gloria Arellanes, began the proceedings with a ceremony. There was subsequent references to the Tongva and honoring native lands during the rally. Also, there was an Indigenous presence in the post-march area near City Hall.,
Among the issues being emphasized was #FreeRedFawn. Red Fawn was a medic at Standing Rock, who was attacked and arrested in the fall 2016. She remains in federal prison with no chance for bail, and faces as much as 10 years in prison. More here: http://indi.com/freeredfawn.
Indigenous People and Sacred Lands Disrespected at L.A. Women's March