Toypurina: Rebelling Against the Mission System

Toypurina, a Tongva woman born in 1760, faced the imposition of Spanish colonial rule and Christianity. As a respected medicine woman, she led a rebellion against the Spanish, who had converted many Tongva to Catholicism. Despite being captured and tried, Toypurina's defiance made her a symbol of indigenous resistance. Her legacy continues to inspire advocacy for indigenous rights.

What significant change did the Franciscan monks bring to the Tongva people?

• They introduced new agricultural techniques.

• They converted them to Christianity.

• They built new schools for them.

• They taught them Spanish cuisine.

What role did Toypurina play in her community before the rebellion?

• She was a village chief.

• She was a respected medicine woman.

• She was a Spanish translator.

• She was a merchant.

How did Toypurina contribute to the rebellion against the Spanish?

• She provided weapons to the rebels.

• She negotiated with the Spanish.

• She convinced multiple villages to join the rebellion.

• She led a military attack.

What was the outcome of Toypurina's trial?

• She was executed by the Spanish.

• She was acquitted and returned home.

• She was exiled to another country.

• She was forcibly converted and jailed.

How is Toypurina remembered today?

• As a Spanish ally.

• As a forgotten historical figure.

• As an indigenous leader who defended her people's way of life.

• As a successful missionary.