The Chumash have been a maritime culture for thousands of years, with their territory stretching from Malibu to Morro Bay and westward to the sandstone cliffs of the Channel Islands, over 20 miles off the coast of California. To navigate the treacherous currents of the channel for fishing and trading, they built the strong plank canoe tomols for which they are famous. But over centuries of European colonization, which included forced assimilation and enslavement of Chumash people, the craft of t

Learn about the long and distinguished history of the Chumash tribe — a 9,000-year-old story rich with culture, generosity, and pride. Through historical narrative, “The Chumash People — A Living History” illustrates the rich living history of the Chumash people and their strength to sustain life, overcome hardship, revitalize cultural traditions and pass their customs on from generation to generation. | Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians