This Native Tribe Is Working To Preserve The Natural Beauty Of California’s Coast

While the region might be known for high-tech industries or glamorous Hollywood productions, the Chumash tribe remains focused on California’s natural features. And an ongoing project seeks to preserve a stretch of coastline for generations to come.

“Stewards of these waters”

According to Northern Chumash Tribal Council leader Violet Sage Walker, the plan currently underway involves creating a protected marine sanctuary that would span about six times the size of Yosemite National Park.

The basic goal involves ensuring that species — from coral to dolphins to the Chumash people themselves — that make up the local food chain have what they need. Walker said that begins by communicating the importance of preserving what is there and restoring what has already been lost.

“In order to protect something, people have to love it, and this is like giving us the opportunity, the world stage, to share our stories and our history and why this place should love it,” she said.

Walker noted that her tribe has long been “stewards of these waters” and the effort to create a new marine sanctuary is just the latest chapter in the ancient story.

A joint effort is underway

Although there are other marine sanctuaries in place across the country, if this one becomes a reality it would be the first to be proposed by an indigenous group. So far, things look promising.

The project — tentatively known as the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary — is expected to receive its federal designation within a few months. Walker touted the tribe’s ongoing work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a promising sign.

“We’re in a place today that’s the first of its kind, and that’s because conservation efforts are being led by tribal people,” she concluded.

Chris Agee November 13th, 2023

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