photo by Pamela Peters
Tonantzin grew up in Orange County while also traveling to Indian Country, Mexico and throughout the US to perform indigenous song and dance. Amidst earning degrees in Environmental Studies and Dance from the University of California Irvine her artistic endeavors evolved as a choreographer, singer and actress. Her first professional acting opportunity was a lead in a musical theater show that toured schools in Los Angeles and prompted her move to LA in pursuit of an acting career.
Carmelo is of mixed ancestry with heritage from time immemorial in what today is known as Southern California, the Southwest and Mexico as well as Iberian, Jewish and Irish ancestry. She is an enrolled member of the Tongva Nation. She resides in Los Angeles on her ancestral lands and is active with environmental and cultural restoration.