The Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission was created through a joint effort of members of the Los Angeles Native American community, Los Angeles City, and Los Angeles County governments. The Native American Commission was officially established by the County of Los Angeles on June 25, 1976. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors then established the Commission via Ordinance No. 11409, adopted September 7, 1976, and effective October 8. 1976.

The primary purpose of the Commission is to increase the acquisition and application of funding resources to the socioeconomic problems of American Indians in Los Angeles City and County without duplication of any service or activity provided by any other County officer or department.

The first the Los Angeles City and County government officials made their respected appointments, among are, Tim Wapato, Chairman; David Lester, Vice Chairman; Al Juneau, Shirley Fiske, Emmett Sarracino, Lincoln Billedeaux, Iron Eyes Cody, Pat Patterson, Sanford Smith and William Connolly.

Following the governmental appointments of 1976, the commission held its first county-wide election for the five community elected members. Among the five elected members in 1977 are, Rudy Ortega, Sr., District 1, Lila Lewis, District 2, Clifton Roman Nose, District 3, Howard Yackus, District 4, and Delores Hitman, District 5.

The Los Angeles City-County Indian Commission, first of its kind in the United States, took their first official meeting on June 20, 1977, held at the County (Hahn) Hall of Administration. The Commission established Personnel Budget, By-laws, Planning, Legislative and Administrative Committees. In addition the commission voted to support the creation of the Indian Health Services Liaison Officer in the County of Department of Health Services.

*Chairperson