Written by Rev. Gregory Douglass, Native American UMC of Southern California and South District Assistant to the Superintendent
On Monday October 12, 2026, Native American UMC and several church leaders participated in the 7th annual Indigenous People’s Day walk/run in the City of Anaheim/ The Village of Hutuukgna. The recognition of this day began around 2016 with a few community leaders and the Rev. Gregory Douglass from Native American UMC. With advocacy from people like Shannon Rivers, Akimel O’odham & David Garcia, Tohono O’odham, who had worked with the United Nations, the City of Anaheim voted to recognize the second Monday in October as Indigenous People’s Day. In 2020 the first honoring of this began as a prayer walk from Native American UMC to city hall. Since then the walk/run has started at the Anaheim Coves at the Santa Ana River off Lincoln Ave. to city hall.
The walk/run has carried a variety of themes, but always with the sense of elders teachings that with the right spirit each step can be a prayer. This walk/run has sought to honor those who have come before us, the original caretakers of these lands, and look ahead to the generations to come. The Gabrielino Tongva Nation have taken leadership in this day, as the original peoples of these unceded lands, and asked Mr. Adam Loya, Tongva Council member and member of Native American UMC, to take on this leadership.
In the process a government to government, respectful, relationship has developed. Each year the walk/run goes to the steps of Anaheim City Hall where staff and council members greet the community, and offer a proclamation honoring the day to the Gabrielino Tongva people. This year that was presented by City staff & Council member Kristine Maahs. The day then concludes with a community feed at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center, which the city has donated use of each year. Those supporting this event and feed include members and constituents of Native American UMC of So Cal; Adam & Angelina Loya; Diane, Shelly & Tina Charley; Andrew Rojas; Melissa & Melody Tupuola, Pam & Winnie James, and several more who attend in support.
This year, during the community feed, the Garielino Tongva Nation wanted to honor some who have been instrumental in the helping the day be recognized, supported, and continue. This year that included blankets to Liz Hernandez, City of Anaheim, Citlali Arvizu, Spoon Keeper; Melissa Tupuola, kitchen coor. & set up; Rev. Gregory Douglass in support of community, leadership in getting day recognized, and as pastor of Native American UMC who has open doors for the community. The community sought to recognize the role Native American UMC has plays, and continues to play, and so asked Rev. Douglass to offer a prayerful sense during the feed with flutes used during NAUMC worship services. The day concluded with a giveaway led by Adam Loya and Tongva members.
