Satwiwa

Satwiwa is a cultural center in the Santa Monica Mountains that displays exhibits, educational spaces, and a replica of a traditional Chumash dwelling. The site teaches about how indigenous peoples lived in these mountains for thousands of years.

The National Park Service established this center in 1980 on the grounds of a former Chumash village that had existed for thousands of years. Its creation was part of a broader effort to make Native American history visible and accessible.

Native American representatives from different tribes share their art, crafts, and stories throughout the year with visitors through hands-on demonstrations and presentations. These living traditions give a sense of how indigenous culture continues to thrive in this region.

The center opens Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM with free parking available. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the site is set in the mountains and is best explored on foot.

The location sits at the start of Sycamore Canyon, which once served as a major trade route for the Chumash through the mountains. This geographic setting connects the past with the present and reveals how central this place was to the original inhabitants.