It’s a real-life story set in the scenic Channel Islands which has fascinated people for decades, and inspired a popular children’s book, “Island of the Blue Dolphins.” In 1835, a group of Native American people living on San Nicolas Island was brought to the mainland. But, one woman was left behind, spent close to a decade by herself on the remote island.
A researcher says previously overlooked documents and church registers are helping us learn more about the native people involved in this incredible story. Susan Morris is a historian, and researcher who has been studying the islands for more than three decades.
She’s been a part of field studies on seven of the eight Channel Islands over the years. Morris, who’s going to speak about her research during a public lecture in Ventura County later this week, has been trying to learn more about the Native Americans who were living on the island with the Lone Woman.
She says one of the big questions was about how many of the San Nicolas Island residents, known as Nicolenos, were removed from the Island. Morris says another one of the mysteries they are trying to solve is why were they brought to the mainland. Researchers aren’t sure who ordered it.
One of the interesting possibilities being studied is that a young boy who was among those removed from the island in 1835 might have actually been a daughter of the Lone Woman. Morris says one of the exciting things about the research is that there are probably people walking around today who are distant relatives of those moved onshore.
The Lone Woman’s story ended in tragedy. When she was brought onshore, there was a language gap, so no one could communicate with her. She became ill, and died weeks later.
Morris will talk about the latest research related to the Lone Woman, and the Nicolenos Thursday night, at the Channel Islands National Park Headquarters at Ventura Harbor. The 7 p.m. lecture is free, and open to the public.
