1. Disease: The mission faced numerous disease outbreaks, including measles, smallpox, and dysentery. These illnesses spread quickly among the Native American population and decimated their communities.
2. Overwork and Exhaustion: The mission's indigenous laborers were often overworked, facing long hours of manual labor in the fields, constructing buildings, and tending to livestock. This intense workload led to physical exhaustion, malnutrition, and increased susceptibility to disease.
3. Cultural Suppression: The mission's religious and cultural practices were imposed upon the Native Americans, suppressing their traditional beliefs, customs, and languages. This cultural imposition eroded their sense of identity and contributed to psychological distress.
4. Limited Autonomy: The mission system limited the autonomy of Native Americans. They were required to follow the padres' orders and could not freely move in and out of the mission without permission. This lack of freedom undermined their sense of independence and self-determination.
5. Famine and Food Shortages: The mission's agricultural production was often insufficient to sustain the growing population. Droughts, floods, and other environmental challenges could lead to food shortages, resulting in malnutrition and hunger among the Native Americans.
6. Separation from Families and Communities: The mission system frequently separated Native Americans from their families and communities. Indigenous people from different linguistic groups were often brought together at a single mission, disrupting their social networks and connections to their traditional homelands.
7. Harsh Punishments: Those who resisted or failed to comply with mission rules were often subjected to harsh punishments, such as corporal punishment, imprisonment, or being sent away to work in hazardous conditions.
8. Loss of Land and Resources: The establishment of the mission often resulted in the loss of Native American lands, disrupting traditional hunting, fishing, and gathering grounds. This loss of access to resources further strained their ability to sustain themselves and maintain their cultural practices.
These hardships had a profound impact on the physical and emotional well-being of the Native American population at Mission La Purísima Concepción. Many individuals suffered from malnutrition, disease, and psychological distress, leading to high mortality rates and cultural erosion.