Echo Park Chapter House: where Indigenous voices thrive

GALLUP – Nestled amid the vibrant hills of Los Angeles’s Echo Park lies a sanctuary distinct from the usual bustle.

The Chapter House, founded by Navajo artist and activist Emma Robbins, transcends the limitations of protest, offering a haven for Indigenous expression, connection, and empowerment. It’s not just a space. It’s the beating heart of a burgeoning community, buzzing with life beyond the roar of demands for Indigenous rights.

“The Chapter House is a space where Native people can gather,” Robbins says, describing her vision. “Where we can heal, celebrate, and simply be ourselves, together.”

That’s the essence of The Chapter House, born in 2020, initially virtual during the pandemic’s isolation. Soon, through fundraising and grants, it blossomed into a thriving physical space, a 2,800-square-foot testament to tradition and contemporary Indigenous spirit. Indigenous art showings adorn the space, each piece a story of resilience, cultural richness, and the diverse identities woven into the Los Angeles Native community.

The Chapter House, located at 1770 Glendale Boulevard in Los Angeles, is a microcosm of Indigenous life. Native women share knowledge and weave a tapestry of tradition. Urban Natives, yearning for connection, find solace in shared experiences and stories whispered across generations. Elders seek respite, while youth discover their heritage through captivating storytelling and art workshops. The healing energy is fueled by pop-up markets showcasing the ingenuity and beauty of diverse tribal crafts, each piece an ode to cultural pride and Native heritage.

But The Chapter House goes beyond mere gathering. Robbins, the visionary behind this community hub, wants to foster a community of empowerment. Reaching beyond Echo Park’s borders, The Chapter House funds projects by people on the reservation. Also, it sponsors cultural events like the Third of July celebration and the Western Navajo Fair.

Robbins is Bilagáana Sǫ’ Dine’é and born for Hashk’ąą Hadzohi. Her maternal grandfather is Bilagáana Sǫ’ Dine’é, and her paternal grandfather is Naakaii Dine’é.
I am from Na’ni’á Hasání, near the Colorado River, in Western Navajo.

Building bridges

Recognizing the potential disconnect between urban and reservation life, The Chapter House actively builds bridges. Collaborations with board members like Chantel Yazzie, a Tuba City resident, ensure their impact is also felt in the Navajo Nation. By bringing reservation artists to Los Angeles and facilitating knowledge exchange between communities, they dismantle geographical barriers, fostering a sense of shared identity.

Robbins’ aspirations soar beyond Los Angeles. A sister space in Tuba City is in the works, promising to nurture community and artistic expression in the Navajo Nation.

“The Chapter House welcomes everyone who shares our vision,” Robbins says, extending a heartfelt invitation. “Whether you seek art, collaboration, a platform to share your story, or simply a haven for your authentic self, come in. We don’t impose ideas. We want to know what you want to experience.”

And experience they do. From exercise groups fostering physical health and connection to conversations sparking self-reflection, The Chapter House thrives on its ever-expanding membership, drawn in by word-of-mouth. This is a Native space by Natives, for Natives,” according to Robbins. “We are building an Indigenous space together.”

Robbins says that she feels it is important to advocate as an artist and is working on a portrait series to bring awareness to women’s issues. “Being a Diné woman and an oldest daughter, I understand the power that comes with the role. But how do we empower each other?”

For Robbins, The Chapter House is more than a community center. It’s a dream realized. “Raising my daughter, Pinon, off the reservation made me yearn for a community for her,” she confides. “This space is for her, for all our youth, and there is space for elders seeking rest and for anyone who wants to connect to their authentic selves.”

The Chapter House

Initially, activities and gatherings were online, and members engaged in online discussions about important issues and arranged care packages for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The future holds even more exciting possibilities for The Chapter House. Expanding offerings, creating a green space, and ensuring handicapped accessibility are just a few things on their agenda. “We want to make this space as comfortable and welcoming as possible,” Robbins said. Her passion is evident.

But beyond physical comfort lies a more profound desire: “To connect urban Natives with traditional culture,” she explains. “To help each other move away from survival mode and thrive. We all want the same things: clean water, basic human rights, dignity, and the freedom to come together. No one wants to be a problem that needs to be solved.”

“We want to know what you want to experience,” Robbins said. “Is there something we can do for you? We don’t want to impose our ideas on others.

“If you want to do a project or show your work in Los Angeles, reach out for advice and collaboration,” she added.

The Chapter House stands as a testament to this collective yearning, a space where Indigenous voices protest, celebrate, heal, and thrive. It’s an invitation, a bridge, and a sanctuary waiting to be experienced by all who seek connection, empowerment, and a place to be.

Information: www.thechapterhouse.org, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @thechapterhousela or Facebook: chapterhousela.

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