History of Peace and Violence at Mission Santa Clara

There is much controversy around the history of the California Missions - some view it as a beautiful place of worship and education while many see it as a monument to native enslavement.

During the Mission Era, native Indians were put to work against their will while being abused and oppressed in the process of achieving the Mission’s objectives. One of the more significant tribes that were originally from the San Francisco Bay Area were the Ohlone Indians. The Ohlone’s numbers dwindled significantly and their traditional way of life was immensely disrupted during the Mission period.

In the present day, the Mission doesn’t associate with as much of a negative connotation as it ought to. Currently, it’s the only surviving mission and it serves as the center of SCU’s spiritual life, celebrating its heritage.