Native American Heritage Month is observed each November to honor the history, culture and contributions of Native peoples. It's particularly significant for us, who live on indiginous land, to call attention to the accomplishments of the original inhabitants and their descendants. 

The Santa Ynez Indian Reservation is located in Santa Barbara County and was established and officially recognized by the federal government on December 27, 1901. Today, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians remains the only federally recognized Chumash tribe in the nation. The tribe is a self-governing sovereign nation and follows the laws set forth in its tribal constitution.

Chumash 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 resided on several of the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Anacapa.