Honoring the truth, strength, and heritage of the first people of this land
Welcome to this website about the real history of Mission San Luis Rey. This land was once home to the Luiseño people who lived here long before the mission was built. The Luiseño people called their land Payómkawichum which meant "People of the West." This site will mention their story not just about what happened during the mission years but also how their culture and strength still live on today.
Before the mission was built the Luiseño people lived in small villages across northern San Diego and parts of Los Angeles County. The men would hunt, and fish while the women would go and gather plants, and seeds. This was the Luiseño peoples way of life their life was connected to nature,their own beliefs, leaders, and traditions. They lived in this area for thousands of years.
When the California San Luis Rey Mission was built in 1798 everything changed for the Luiseño people. They would be forced to move into the mission, and adapt a new culture, and work without freedom. Many Luiseño people got sick from new diseases, and families were separated. Over 2,800 Native people lived at the mission, but harsh treatment and poor living conditions would cause many to die.
Even though the system tried to erase the Luiseño peoples culture, they would find ways to resist and keep their culture alive. They kept their traditions alive in secret while also passing stories and songs along to their children, and escaped whenever they could. The Luiseño people's strength helped keep their identity alive especially through hard times.
This website honors the Luiseño people by telling the truth about what happened, not just ignoring the history completely or leaving negative parts out. We include Native voices, support land acknowledgments, and share their traditions and stories with respect. We hope visitors will understand the importance of protecting Indigenous cultures and rights today.
