Native Americans lifestyle at the Missions

Karla Alvarez

LBS 375
Professor Kristal Cheek
February 13, 2015

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Before California Missions, life for Native Americans was peaceful; they belonged to
their own tribes and lived in small villages along the riverbanks. They were religious, believing
in their own spirits and having their own native language. Native Americans lifestyle began to
change in 1769; the Spanish invaded their land and began to build Missions. California missions
were controlled by the Priests and soldiers, Native Americans integrated into the missions
however their life changed drastically.
How was life on the missions?
Living on the missions Native Americans lifestyles changed, they had their own
traditional beliefs while the Spanish believed in Christianity. Although Native Americans spoke
their own language they were taught Spanish and later learned their Christian prayers as well.
Many of the Native Americans converted into Christianity and became baptized, also known as
neophytes. Becoming a Neophyte, the Padres and soldiers put the Native Americans to work.
Native Americans had to follow strict schedules commanded by the Padres, they also had to
attend church and learn their Christian prayers (though they didnt have to convert). If they
disobeyed during church the soldiers would be cruel and begin to poke them.
The Padres commanded strictly enforced jobs, as Megan Gendell describes, They also
raised cows and sheep and planted and harvested crops for the missions food supply. Some
Native people learned to make candles, rope, or shoes. 1 The Native Americans had to follow a
schedule provided to them and completing certain tasks. Raising animals was never introduced
before to Native Americans, rather then raising them they hunted for deer, elk, and rabbits as a
food resource. As for tools, they didnt make candles nor shoes, they were barefoot and had little
or no clothing made by either Tule or grass. Rather then making a candle, they started their own

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fires to stay warm. These are one of the many skills the Native Americans accomplished to learn
on the mission.
Native Americans before the missions were used to living a free spirit life and belonging
to their own tribe, they lived off of natural resources and having a simple life. They traded goods
with other tribes and never invaded other villages but their own. Once they were part of the
California missions they werent allowed to leave, if they tried to escape the soldiers, as Francis
F. Guest explains they would be, whippings, shackles. 2 As the Native Americans cared for
themselves and being brought into the Spanish settlers missions it was a complete shock, by
having completely strict new rules they werent used to follow.
California missions were beneficial to the Spanish yet the Native Americans did gain
some positives although they were beaten and treated poorly in many situations. The Spanish
came over and built twenty-one missions in California, there they would grow their own foods,
care for animals and lived near the seas in order to trade. The Padres were in charge of their
mission and controlled everyday lifestyle.
Were Native Americans pleased?
As a Native American at this time period wasnt what they expected but had no other
choice, once they came into the missions they werent allowed a way out. As mentioned by
Megan Gendall, the padres punished the Native Americans if they did not follow Christian
rules. Neophytes could be whipped or locked up if they skipped mass or work. 3 Being part of
the missions was drastic and a negative impact on the Natives, although they did achieve many
new aspects in life they were still left with cruel memories.

Bibliography
Megan Gendell. The Spanish Missions of California. Mission life. 2010.
Spencer Olin, Sucheng Chan. Major Problems in California History. The Spanish
impact on the Indians. 1997.