Paramount Ranch

The Santa Monica Mountains are the traditional homelands of the Chumash people. For more than 10,000 years, the Chumash built villages across these mountains, valleys, and coastlines, shaping strong communities and cultural traditions deeply connected to the land and sea. We honor their resilience and their continued presence as stewards of this place, past, present, and future.

This landscape holds one of the highest concentrations of archaeological sites in the world, from ancient village locations and trade routes to remarkable rock art that still carries meaning today. These sites reflect thriving communities of artisans, leaders, and spiritual guides whose stories remain part of the mountains.

At Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, located at the base of Boney Mountain, visitors can connect with Chumash and other Native American community members through cultural programs, storytelling, and ceremonies. Satwiwa, once a historic village site, continues to be a place where living traditions are shared.

Throughout the year, SAMO Fund helps host a series of Chumash cultural programs in partnership with the National Park Service. These gatherings bring together elders, artists, and educators to share traditions, songs, and stories, creating opportunities for visitors to learn directly from community members and deepen their connection to this land.

SAMO Fund also supports efforts to protect archaeological sites and cultural landscapes throughout the mountains. By preserving sacred places and supporting cultural education, we help ensure that Chumash history and traditions remain alive for generations to come.