Chumash Native People

The Chumash are a Native American people who historically inhabited the central and southern coastal regions of California, in portions of what is now San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, extending from Morro Bay in the north to Malibu in the south. They also occupied three of the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. The smaller island of Anacapa was likely inhabited seasonally due to the lack of a consistent water source.

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Land Acknowledgement

The University campus is located on Indigenous land. In recognizing the traditional custodians of the land, we share this page to educate and pay respect for the Chumash people, the history and culture of the community, and all Native Americans as America’s First Peoples. We pay respect to the Chumash Elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, and the culture of this area, which has become a place of learning for people from all over the world. 

More Resources:

• Chumash People
• Native Land Chumash Territories
• Chumash History - Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation
• Native Americans of the California Coast: The Chumash
• Chumash Life: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
• A Maritime People: The Chumash Tribes of Santa Barbara Channel
• Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
• Chumash People of San Luis Obispo
• The Chumash: The Old Mission of Santa Ines
  
• Chumash Indian Museum
• Chumash Painted Cave
  
• Indigenous Wisdom: Root Wisdom
  

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