As the CEO of TAB Professional Services, I stand on land once nurtured by the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) people, acknowledging their historic stewardship as we aim to honor our shared history and embrace a future of mutual respect. As we observe an important Indigenous holiday this Friday, my reflections deepen, influenced by my mixed heritage—including Native American, Mexican Native, and European roots.

Recent DNA discoveries have unveiled my direct ancestral connections to the Portola Expedition, a historical event impacting many Native communities. This insight has been a profound reminder of the generational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous people—a reality that impacts us all on various internal and subconscious levels.

With sincerity, I extend an apology to the tribes impacted by the expedition: the Kizh (Gabrieleño), Tongva, Chumash, Rumsen, Ohlone, and other affected communities across California. With a commitment to healing, I plan to personally reach out to each of the impacted tribes to offer heartfelt apologies and explore ways to reconcile our pasts. This proactive approach aims not only to express remorse but also to understand and support the needs of each community as part of an ongoing dialogue toward meaningful reconciliation. Recognizing our intertwined past is crucial, but it is equally important to actively pursue reconciliation and healing.

At TAB Professional Services, our commitment goes beyond acknowledgment. We are dedicated to engaging with local indigenous groups, building authentic relationships, and ensuring their representation in our events and governance. We strive to amplify Native voices in our programming and support Indigenous advocacy for environmental and cultural preservation.

This journey of acknowledgment and action reflects my diverse heritage and the complex history we all share. I invite our clients, community, and partners to join us in these efforts. Together, we can move beyond mere acknowledgment toward actions that contribute positively to the communities we serve.

Let us honor our multifaceted past and embrace a collaborative future, together.

Theresa Avila Bimbela, M.A.