Paper short abstract:

Archaeological and linguistic research indicates that the Chumash have deep roots in the Santa Barbara Channel region and have occupied the southern California Coast for millenia. We present preliminary ancient DNA and paleodiet research that indicate direct maternal connections dating back 4,500 years.

Paper long abstract:

Previous genetic studies on Modern Chumash populations indicate that some Chumash belong to an ancient mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineage that appears to be coastally distributed along North and South America. Ancient DNA was extracted from 21 individuals, aproximately half of which are from El Monton archaeological site, a large shell midden deposit from Santa Cruz Island, the rest from other Islands from the Channel Islands. Preliminary results indicate direct maternal connections with Modern Chumash populations in mainland California dating back 4,500 years. We also explore potential genetic connections with Pericue Indian populations of the Cape region of the Baja California Peninsula. The possible cultural and genetic similarities between the Chumash, Pericue and other Pacific coast groups has important implications for our understanding of the colonisation and migration processes of the Americas.