The Chumash people are a Native American group originally from the coastal regions of southern California, particularly around the Channel Islands and the mainland areas of Santa Barbara and Ventura. They are known for their rich culture, which included fishing, hunting, and gathering, as well as skilled craftsmanship in creating tools and art. Historically, the Chumash lived in large, semi-permanent villages and spoke a unique language belonging to the Hokan language family. They are recognized for their impressive plank canoes called tomols, which allowed them to navigate the ocean for trade and fishing. Today, many Chumash descendants continue to preserve their cultural heritage.