Kuuy Nahwa’a (Guest Exchange)

Kuuy Nahwa’a is a Tongva people’s concept meaning guest exchange. 

It is a voluntary contribution to support Tongva-led Land Back efforts, acknowledging both relationships and reciprocity to the lands and Native Peoples of Tovaangar, this place many of us now call home. 

Many want to help but don’t know how. Kuuy nahwa’a opens the door to understanding and participating in course correction to historic wrongs here. 

Make Your Kuuy Nahwá’a Today

The Land You Live On

If you live or work in the Los Angeles basin, you live on Tongva land. 

Traditionally, when people travel and move into a new territory they first seek permission from both the land and traditional stewards. This “permission” invites relationship. A guest gives an offering in recognition and in reciprocity of this relationship. 

This exchange continues today with the Native Peoples of these lands we call Tovaangar. Since the beginning of time, the Tongva Peoples have inhabited these lands which you now call home. 

There has been a long break in our cultural lives due to centuries of decimation and nearly successful genocide. Our people have survived but now face invisibility and erasure. We are reviving our languages, cultures, and ceremonies in order to care for the land, air, water, and each other. This is a land of beauty, inspiration, and dreams. 

Kuuy Nahwá’a Calculator

If you're unsure how much to contribute, we offer a Kuuy Nahwá'a calculator to assist in determining a meaningful guest exchange to the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, supporting the ongoing health of our native lands.

Alternative ways to offer Kuuy Nahwá’a

If you would like to give but you are struggling financially we encourage you to explore some of the alternative ways to give kuuy nahwá’a listed below.

  • If you own or inherit property in Tovangaar, you can return the land at a time that is convenient or posthumously.

    Reach us at info@tongva.land to begin the conversation.

  • Growing native plants in your garden and community is another way to offer kuuy nahwa’a. It pushes back invasive species and supports a healthier native ecosystem.

  • Follow, like, and share TTPC’s work on Instagramand Facebook.

  • Educating yourself on the history of the Tongva People is a great first step towards building a connection with the people and the land.

    Giving acknowledgment and recognition to the Tongva people as the original caretakers and inhabitants of this land is another great way to be a good guest on Tovaangar, but it is important that with your acknowledgment comes the intention to see the land returned.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Traditionally, when people move into a new territory, they first seek permission from both the land and its traditional stewards. This invitation opens a relationship, and a guest offers something in recognition of that relationship. Kuuy Nahwá'a is that exchange, a voluntary contribution acknowledging your relationship to Tongva land and the people who have stewarded it since the beginning of time. Making a Kuuy Nahwá'a and donating to TTPC are essentially the same thing, but the framing matters: we are moving away from a transactional model of giving toward something more reciprocal.

  • The Kuuy Nahwá'a uses a progressive structure informed by both your relationship to the land (renting or owning) and your ability to pay. People with greater wealth generally consume more local resources and can contribute proportionally more.

  • Funds support TTPC's work to rematriate lands of Tovaangar — the greater Los Angeles basin — to the Tongva people, convening community in ceremony and cultural practice centered in Tongva leadership and grounded in Huhuunga. This work is led by Tongva people, rooted in traditional ecological knowledge, and committed to the long-term restoration of this land. 

  • Yes. TTPC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, EIN 87-1422866. All donations are tax deductible.

  • For gifts of $1,000 or more, we encourage check or wire transfer to avoid platform processing fees.

    To send a check, mail to:

    Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, 461 Woodbury Rd, Box 1055, Altadena, CA 91001.

    For wire transfer or stock donation instructions, contact ariel@tongva.land.

  • Kuuy Nahwá'a is welcome from anyone, regardless of where you live. If financial contribution isn't possible right now, there are other ways to support — follow us on Instagram for ideas.

    We also encourage you to learn about and support the Native communities where you live.

The Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, EIN 87-1422866. All donations are tax deductible. 

We request that large donations ($1,000+) be made via wire transfer or check, as the online platform takes a percentage of donations. Contact  info@tongva.land for instructions. 

If you’d like to send a check, please mail to: Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, 461 Woodbury Road #1055 , Altadena CA 91001, United States