Santa Cruz Mission
Santa Cruz Mission was founded in 1791 by Franciscan friars as a part of the Spanish colonization of California. The mission was built in the territory of the indigenous people who were living in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The mission became a central hub for trade, agriculture, and religious conversion. Many Native American tribes resided in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz mission, and their presence and legacy are an essential part of the region’s history.
The Native American Presence in Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz region was home to many Native American tribes with diverse cultures and languages. These tribes were the original inhabitants of the land, and they lived in harmony with nature for centuries before European colonization. The tribes’ way of life was disrupted by the arrival of the Spanish, who brought diseases, forced labor, and religious conversion. Despite the adverse impact, the Native American tribes in the Santa Cruz region maintained their culture and resilience.
The Ohlone Tribe
The Ohlone Tribe was the largest tribe in the Santa Cruz region, and they were known for their basketry, shell beadwork, and acorn harvesting. The Ohlone people had a complex social structure, and they had a rich tradition of storytelling and music. The Ohlone people’s way of life was severely disrupted by the arrival of Europeans, and many died due to diseases and violence.
The Esselen Tribe
The Esselen Tribe was a small tribe that resided in the coastal mountains of Monterey County. The Esselen people were known for their skill in hunting and gathering. However, their population declined rapidly due to the effects of colonization, and by the mid-19th century, most of the Esselen people had died or assimilated into other tribes.
The Yokut Tribe
The Yokut Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the central valley of California. The Yokut people were known for their agriculture and their expertise in weaving and pottery. The arrival of Europeans to their land had a significant impact on their way of life, leading to the displacement of many Yokut people.
The Miwok Tribe
The Miwok Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The Miwok people were known for their hunting and gathering skills, as well as their basketry. The Miwok people’s population also declined due to the effects of colonization.
The Costanoan People
The Costanoan People were a group of Native Americans who lived in the coastal and inland areas of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Costanoan people were known for their shell beadwork, basketry, and acorn harvesting. The arrival of Europeans disrupted their way of life, and many of their people died due to diseases and violence.
The Salinan Tribe
The Salinan Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived along the central coast of California. The Salinan people were known for their hunting and gathering skills, as well as their basketry. The arrival of Europeans had a significant impact on their population, and many Salinan people died due to diseases and other effects of colonization.
The Mutsun Tribe
The Mutsun Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the surrounding areas. The Mutsun people were known for their basketry, acorn harvesting, and their skill in hunting and gathering. The arrival of Europeans significantly impacted the Mutsun people, and by the mid-19th century, their population had declined.
The Tamyen People
The Tamyen People were a group of Native Americans who lived in the Santa Clara Valley and the surrounding areas. The Tamyen people were known for their skill in basketry, shell beadwork, and their expertise in hunting and fishing. The arrival of Europeans had a significant impact on the Tamyen people, and their population declined.
The Rumsen Tribe
The Rumsen Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the Monterey Bay area. The Rumsen people were known for their basketry, shell beadwork, and their skill in fishing. The arrival of Europeans affected their population, and many Rumsen people died due to diseases and other effects of colonization.
The Awaswas Tribe
The Awaswas Tribe was a group of Native Americans who lived in the Santa Cruz area. The Awaswas people were known for their basketry, acorn harvesting, and their skill in fishing. The arrival of Europeans had a significant impact on their way of life, and their population declined.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Native American Tribes in Santa Cruz
The Native American tribes that resided in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz mission had a rich and diverse culture that had been developed over thousands of years. The arrival of Europeans had a significant impact on their way of life, leading to the displacement and death of many Native American people. Nevertheless, the legacy of these tribes lives on, and their contribution to the history and culture of the Santa Cruz region should be acknowledged and remembered. It is essential to honor the Native American tribes’ legacy and to recognize the resilience and strength of these people in the face of adversity.
