Chumash in United States

Introduction / History

The Chumash tribe is divided into over 12 subgroups. They lived near the coast of what is now Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties. 1500 years ago, they were already using bows and arrows. Before that time, they used spears for warfare and hunting. They were still hunters and gatherers by the time the first Spanish arrived. They were adept at fishing; this was one of the few Native American tribes that navigated the ocean for fishing and trade. They used harpoons to catch large fish. They used the tomol, a plank canoe, for their frequent fishing and trading expeditions.

The Chumash were not corn farmers like some of their neighbors. They obtained their food from the sea, but also from plant foods they found. These included acorns and wild herbs, which they made into a soup.

What Are Their Lives Like?

One of the challenges the Chumash people face today involves their sacred burial sites. These are sometimes on public park land. Hikers will sometimes take “relics” from these burial sites. There is also an effort to take bones from other burial sites and bring them together.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Christian today. Some reject Christianity since it came from those who took their land and exploited their people. Like many who were pressured into becoming Christian, the Chumash reject Christian institutions. They often don’t give the loving savior a chance because of historical grievances.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chumash peoples need a spirituality that centers on Jesus Christ without the trappings of European culture. Christian believers from their people can write worship songs that involve culturally relevant ways to worship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to raise up some to produce culturally appropriate worship music for the Chumash people.

Pray for the Lord to bless the Chumash people both spiritually and economically.

Pray for Chumash disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project