The Hahamog’na, a band of native Tongva people, settled alongside the Arroyo Seco from the confluence of the Los Angeles River through Elysian Valley, Highland Park, South Pasadena, and Glendale, to Pasadena and the foothills of Altadena. Undated photo

Despite a history in Southern California dating back more than two millennia, the descendants of the native inhabitants of Los Angeles County continue struggling to achieve federal recognition of their tribe.

Friday marks Native American Day in California, which the Tongva people have called home for over 2,500 years, according to Gabrielino-Tongva Tribal Councilwoman and Secretary Linda Candelaria.

While the state has formally recognized the ancient tribe since 1994, efforts to have the federal government do the same are ongoing, she said.