Santa Barbara to Host Documentary on Native Languages
A free documentary screening and panel discussion will honor Native American Heritage Month this November.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Cultural
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The Santa Barbara County Archaeological Society will present a documentary screening in November 2026 to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. The event focuses on the linguistic legacy of local alumnus John Peabody Harrington.
Why it matters
This program serves to honor indigenous history and highlight ongoing efforts in language revitalization. It specifically honors the memory of the late Chumash Elder Ernestine Ygnacio-DeSoto.
The documentary Chasing Voices, which runs for 56 minutes, was originally released in 2021. The subject of the film spent his 50-year career amassing one million pages of notes on 100 Native American languages.
The players
John Peabody Harrington
He was a prolific ethnologist and linguist who graduated from Santa Barbara High School and documented over 100 Native American languages.
Daniel Golding
He is the producer of the documentary film Chasing Voices and will lead a discussion on language revitalization.
James Yee
He is a past chairman of the Barbareño Band of Chumash Indians who will provide an opening statement in the native language.
Ernestine Ygnacio-DeSoto
She was a respected Chumash Elder whose memory is being honored through this dedicated cultural event.
The details
The event features a screening of Chasing Voices: The Story of John Peabody Harrington, who was a graduate of Santa Barbara High School. Producer Daniel Golding and former Barbareño Band of Chumash Indians chairman James Yee will follow the film with a panel discussion on language preservation.
Timeline
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History was founded in 1916.
The documentary film Chasing Voices was originally released in 2021.
Native American Heritage Month takes place in November 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The museum's 1916 founding date serves as a historical anchor for modern cultural preservation events in Santa Barbara. The upcoming documentary screening continues the long-term mission established by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History since its founding in 1916.
This public event is free to attend for all community members interested in the history of Native American languages. Because no tickets or reservations are required, residents should plan to arrive early to ensure seating at the venue.
The takeaway
This event offers a rare look at the massive linguistic collection of a local historical figure. Readers interested in regional history can benefit from the panel discussion's focus on the survival and revival of indigenous languages.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local programs, visit the Santa Barbara Cultural section.
More information
To see more details regarding the screening schedule, visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Santa Barbara Independent.
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