Community-powered care for land, culture, and belonging in Sunland–Tujunga
ST Forward is a volunteer-led nonprofit cultivating equity, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship through arts, culture, and community action.
Get Involved
There are many ways to show up.
From volunteering and collaborating to helping steward the land, this work is made possible by people who care and choose to participate.
Support Our Work
You help this work continue and grow.
Every contribution sustains our programs, events, and the care of this land — ensuring it remains accessible, thriving, and community-centered.
Explore Programs and Events
Gatherings that celebrate land, culture, and community.
From seasonal programs to signature events, explore what’s happening now and what’s coming next.
Our Projects at a Glance
-
5 Years of Tuxuunga Indigenous Peoples Day
-
4 Annual Foothills Pride Festivals (5th Annual in 2026!)
-
Community Initiatives, Working Groups, and Installations
-
Worked with and Highlighted Dozens of Indigenous Culture Bearers, Artists, and Educators
- Engaged Hundreds of Volunteers and Participants
-
Ongoing Land Stewardship
ST Forward is a trusted community partner for cultural programming, environmental care, and civic engagement in the Northeast San Fernando Valley.
Rooted in Community. Guided by Care.
ST Forward is a collective of Sunland–Tujunga stakeholders who believe that strong communities are built through collaboration, creativity, and care for one another and the land. Founded by local women, ST Forward creates spaces for action, anti-racism, civic participation, and community-led solutions.
​
We bring together residents, artists, culture bearers, educators, youth, and partners to respond to community needs with intention, respect, and joy.​
Tuxuunga Indigenous Peoples Day
Each year, ST Forward organizes Indigenous Peoples Day at Tuxuunga — “The Place of the Old Woman” — honoring Indigenous leadership, traditional ecological knowledge, art, ceremony, and storytelling on unceded Tongva land.
​
This free, family-friendly gathering centers Indigenous culture bearers and fosters meaningful connection between community members and the land.
​​
🌈 Foothills Pride
Foothills Pride is an annual performing arts and resource festival celebrating LGBTQIA+ neighbors of the foothills. What began as a youth-led response to homophobia and transphobia has grown into a vibrant, affirming celebration of visibility, safety, and belonging.
​
The festival also supports the Caroline Menjivar Scholarship, awarded to an LGBTQ+ graduating senior from a local Foothills public high school.
​​
Join the Planning Committee! Email stforward@protonmail.com for details!
Land Stewardship and Environmental Justice
Guided by Indigenous advisors and traditional ecological knowledge, ST Forward facilitates land stewardship, habitat restoration, and native plant education at Tuxuunga and throughout our community.
Through volunteer days, guided walks, seed gatherings, and partnerships, we build reciprocal relationships with the land and support long-term ecological resilience.
​​​
Upcoming Tuxuu Land Stewardship days:
Sunday, March 29 — Sign up at L.A. Works
Saturday, April 25 — Sign up at L.A. Works
Community Stories and Impact
Our work comes to life through collaboration — with students, elders, artists, volunteers, and neighbors.
Youth-designed civic art banners at Pinewood Elementary
Reforestation and land restoration partnership at 12400 Big Tujunga Canyon
Recent Indigenous Peoples Day and Foothills Pride celebrations
In Community With
ST Forward’s work is made possible through deep collaboration with Indigenous culture bearers, community organizations, artists, schools, agencies, funders, local businesses, and neighbors. We are grateful to the many partners who help bring these projects to life.
Indigenous Advisors and Culture Bearers
Tina Orduno Calderon
Lazaro Arvizu Jr.
Ted & Dennis Garcia
Virginia Carmelo
Dyann Dominguez
Chad S. Hamill
Community and Cultural Partners
Meztli Projects
Kids 4 Freedom and Justice
Pinewood Avenue Elementary School
Village Poets
McGroarty Arts Center
Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples
Theodore Payne Foundation
Descanso Gardens
Apperson Elementary School
Walk 'n Rollers
Public Agencies and Institutions
Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA)
LA Conservation Corps
Department of Cultural Affairs
Arts in California Parks
Community Partners
Funders and Supporters
California Arts Council
Department of Cultural Affairs
Arts in California Parks
Council District 7
Senator Caroline Menjivar
Congresswoman Laura Friedman
Assemblyman Nick Schultz
Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez
Our Givebutter Donors
Local Businesses and Event Supporters
FormLA
The Back Door Bakery & Café
Canyon Market & Liquor
Bonner’s Party Rentals
Sir Michael's Party Rentals
Hardy Californians
Interested in partnering with ST Forward? Contact us →