'Native Islanders Following Missionization'
by J. Johnson & S. McLendon
During the years of the missions there were *famine conditions brought about by El Nino. El Nino warms the ocean waters and affects the marine life which in turn reduced the food supply for the Islanders. It was these conditions that drove the Indians to the missions where food was more *plentiful. At the missions they were baptized and began to learn a new way of living. The Northern Islanders went to La Purisuma, San Ynez, Buenventura and Santa Barbara. In six different missions, researchers found records in good condition about the Chumash that dated back four generations. They tell a sad story where half of the Native Americans died within two years of coming to the missions and over two-thirds died under the age of five. European diseases *contributed to these *catastrophic deaths during the mission era and many Chumash were already infected even before they went to the missions. After secularization (in the 19th century) the ranches came into existence and many of the Chumash chose to work on the ranches as vasqueros or laborers. Their language was different and in order for them to communicate they needed a translator.
The Islanders became *dispersed but amazingly their Chief was still head of the Indian community. Research shows that even though they were moved around and separated, they were able to regroup and maintain their sense of community. They continued to marry within their Nation which strengthened that very sense of community. There are lists that show descendent of the Chumash still existing today, and it is believed that many more exist off record.
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