Guide Note

The Chumash Tribe is a group of California indigenous people who settled the area from San Luis Obispo to Malibu and the Channel Islands as far back as 13,000 years ago. One of the few Native American tribes to navigate the Pacific Ocean, the Chumash were and still are gifted boat builders, incorporating this craft into the fabric of their historic and contemporary culture.

The Chumash Tribe was historically composed of bands throughout southern California. After European contact, many joined together for survival.

Fast Facts

1. Chumash often translated as "Beadmaker" or "Seashell People"
2. Lineage traced through the mother (Matriarchal)
3. Tribe thought to be extinct by 1875
4. Current population estimate: Around 5,000
5. Most scholars believe that there are no currently living full-blooded Chumash¹
6. Tribal members learning and teaching dying Samala Chumash language
7. Island of the Blue Dolphins based on a true Chumash story
8. Known for plank boats called tomols
9. Occupied five missions: La Purísima, San Buenaventura, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Inés
10. Traditional Chumash medical practices similar to Chinese methods

1. Barbareno Chumash
2. Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation
3. Cuyama Chumash
4. Island Chumash
5. Kagismuwas Chumash
6. Los Angeles Chumash
7. Malibu Chumash
8. Monterey Chumash
9. Samala (Santa Ynez) Chumash
10. San Fernando Valley Chumash
11. San Luis Obispo Chumash
12. Tecuya Chumash
13. Tejon Chumash
14. Ventura Chumash

When a tribe petitions and receives federal recognition, their right to self-govern as an independent nation is affirmed. Once recognized, the tribe is eligible for federal programs to improve needed community services such as housing and health care. In addition, under the 1988 IGRA, tribes have the right to conduct gaming operations on their lands. Final determination by the Bureau of Indian Affairs often takes more than 20 years. Sometimes states and cities locally recognize tribes.

1. Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians: federally recognized in 1891; as of 2008, only Chumash Band so designated. Some groups now contesting their recognition.
2. Barbareno/Ventureno Band of Mission Indians: petitioned 01/17/2002
3. Chumash Council of Bakersfield: petitioned 10/18/2005
4. Coastal Band of Chumash Indians: petitioned 3/25/1982
5. Mishkanaka Chumash: unrecognized
6. Northern Chumash Tribal Council: sovereign nation recognized by the State of California²
7. Salinan Nation (Salinan Chumash Nation): petitioned 10/10/1989
8. San Fernando Band of Mission Indians: petitioned 05/25/1995