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Read the latest news about the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary here.
May 11, 2023
Northern Chumash Tribal Council applauds California Democrats urging Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary designation

San Luis Obispo, CA – Northern Chumash Tribal Council applauds California Democrats Carbajal, Feinstein, Padilla and others as they urge the U.S. Department of Commerce to prioritize completing the designation process

March 2, 2023
New Times: We need bold action

In February, Indigenous peoples from throughout the Pacific and around the globe joined voices at a major international ocean conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, that gathered 3,000 participants from 123 countries and hundreds of Native nations.

February 17, 2023
Coastal Commission Awards $2 Million in Whale Tail Grants

SAN FRANCISCO, February 17, 2023. On Wednesday, February 8, the California Coastal Commission approved 56 Whale Tail Grant applications totaling more than $2 million to non-profit organizations, community groups, and schools for projects and programs that provide educational experiences

February 10, 2023
KQED: Chumash Tribes 'Reunite' Sacred Rock in Morro Bay Ceremony

Driving through the coastal city of Morro Bay, it’s hard to miss the 600-foot-tall volcanic rock sticking out of the ocean and towering over the city. The local landmark is commonly known as Morro Rock, a Spanish word with several meanings including “snout” or “round hill.”

January 25, 2023
Center for American Progress: Proposed National Marine Sanctuaries Provide a Pathway Toward Indigenous-Led Ocean Conservation

The United States can move closer to its dual goals of increasing access to nature for all Americans and protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 by approving and completing the...

December 31, 2022
Northern Chumash Tribal Council awards inaugural Fred Collins Environmental Warrior Student Scholarship

San Luis Obispo, CA – On the anniversary of the late Chief Fred Collins’ birthday, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council announced their inaugural distribution of the Fred Collins Environmental Warrior Student Scholarship. In honor of Chief Collins’ legacy...

December 6, 2022
KCBX: Chumash leader concerned about "industrialization of the ocean" ahead of offshore wind lease sale

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is holding a lease sale for offshore wind projects off the coast of California today. Three of the five areas of ocean are off the coast of Morro Bay, the ancestral land of the indigenous Northern Chumash and Salinan tribes.

November 29, 2022
The SLO Tribune: Offshore wind development should be collaborative  — not combative

It is a great opportunity for our region that the Biden administration announced in October the first-ever offshore wind rights sale off California’s coast. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Dec. 6 sale includes five lease areas.

November 16, 2022
The Secret Lives of Parks: Making Things Whole

In 1969, Southern California suffered one of the largest oil spills in history, prompting national outrage and environmental awareness. Today, part of the Pacific coast near Channel Islands National Park remains vulnerable to drilling and other threats.

November 7, 2022
Sierra Magazine: The Chumash Resume Their Obligation

California’s original ocean stewards are the driving force behind what may be the nation's newest national marine sanctuary. Pending final approval, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would effectively stretch over half of California’s coastline...

September 8, 2022
KCBX: Congressional subcommittee holds field hearing in Morro Bay to hear offshore wind testimony

The House Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee held a hearing at the Morro Bay Community Center on Thursday to hear testimony on the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area.

August 26, 2022
US Army Corp of Engineers: Corps joins Chumash to celebrate reunification of Morro Rock

MORRO BAY, California – The coastline surrounding Morro Rock was shrouded in fog; however, the sun shined brightly over the small port town Aug. 20

August 21, 2022
The SLO Tribune: Northern Chumash celebrate as pieces of Morro Rock are ‘reunified’ with sacred landmark

Forming a human line from the mouth of Morro Bay up to Morro Rock, dozens of people passed rocks up from...

August 19, 2022
Northern Chumash Tribal Council to celebrate the reunification of Lisamu’ (Morro Rock)

“The return of stones taken from Lisamu’ represents a healing of our people and our culture - a healing that is long overdue,” said Violet Sage Walker...

August 2, 2022
Women Mind the Water: Artivist Series -Violet Sage Walker

Violet Sage Walker is the chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. Among her many passions and activities, she is an accomplished horsewoman, SCUBA diver, as well as steward of Chumash natural resources, culture and history.

July 12, 2022
Good Times Santa Cruz: Behind the Push for a Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary: The missing piece of the puzzle for protecting California’s coast"

In 1990, when Monterey Bay was nominated for consideration as a National Marine Sanctuary, some of the more radical supporters proposed...

June 5, 2022
LA Times: Let Indigenous people speak for ourselves on climate change

To the editor: The Times failed to adequately portray the Northern Chumash Tribal Council’s view on offshore wind energy. On matters concerning management of land and waters, Indigenous people must speak for themselves.

May 10, 2022
Mustang News: “It’s their land”: Chumash Tribe one step closer to Central Coast marine sanctuary

On a foggy morning in Morro Bay, sea otters summersault in the harbor while fishermen heave gear onto their boats. Across the water, surfers rip across silver-blue waves. The Chumash can sometimes be seen climbing Morro Rock...

May 8, 2022
Noozhawk: Environmental Hero Awards Go to Violet Sage Walker and the Late Tribal Chief Fred Collins

The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) will honor Violet Sage Walker and Fred (Eagle Chief “SLOW”) Collins (Violet’s father, who passed away in 2021) as part of the organization’s annual event: Green & Blue: A Coastal Celebration.

May 5, 2022
Peninsula Press: From Cambria to Gaviota, a battle for the future of the California Coast

For decades, communities across central California have fought – both for and against – the creation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. In the Morro Bay Harbor, a California sea otter reclines, belly-up, on the sun-soaked waves. She yawns, stretches, and closes her eyes

April 13, 2022
Sanctuary Update - April 2022

Northern Chumash Tribal Council Chairwoman and Sanctuary Nominator Violet Sage Walker has the honor of presenting at the international Our Ocean 2022 conference in Palau. Her remarks will be streamed LIVE Wednesday...

April 12, 2022
MyNewsLA: LA City Council Declares Support for Chumash National Marine Sanctuary

The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday declared its support for a national marine sanctuary along the Central California Coast proposed by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was proposed...

April 5, 2022
Parks Stewardship Forum Magazine: The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary: An interview with Violet Sage Walker

The Chumash people are a beautiful, inspiring cul­ture that most people have never heard of. We have lived along the same stretch of California coastline for the last 15,000 to 20,000 years.

April 2, 2022
Oceanographic: Depths of sanctuary

October 23rd marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Violet Sage Walker, Chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, explains what the designation of the first Indigenous-led sanctuary, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, would mean to conservation and the Chumash People.

February 28, 2022
30,000 people weigh in to support the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Los Osos, California – More than 30,000 people expressed their support for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, according to analysis of comments submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

February 28, 2022
KCBX: Northern Chumash say 99% of public commenters support proposed marine sanctuary designation

The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the Central Coast has received tens of thousands of comments during its public comment period. The 83-day period held by the...

December 15, 2021
Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Votes Unanimously to Support the Designation of the Chumash Heritage Sanctuary

Yesterday, Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to send a resolution of support for the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS).

November 9, 2021
Northern Chumash Tribal Council Celebrates Decision to Advance Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Designation

Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a Notice of Intent advancing the public process to designate the...

November 9, 2021
Santa Barbara Independent: New Marine Sanctuary Moves One Step Closer

Conserving the ocean off Point Conception has been a dream for Fred Collins and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council for more than a decade, a hope that took a giant step forward today when the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary officially entered the designation process.

November 9, 2021
Reuters: U.S. proposes new marine sanctuary off California coast

The Biden administration on Tuesday said it was taking steps to designate a national marine sanctuary off the coast of central California. President Joe Biden has set a goal of safeguarding 30% of U.S. land and water over the next decade.

November 9, 2021
The Hill: In a first, a California tribal marine sanctuary seeks federal recognition

A marine sanctuary that runs 140 miles off the Central California coast is hoping to become a federally recognized sanctuary to protect marine life and preserve Indigenous sacred sites. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is the first tribally nominated sanctuary, with the

October 27, 2021
World War Zero: It's Time for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Chumash people have inhabited California's Central Coast region over 20,000 years, stewarding our ancestral waters. For the last 40 years, Chumash leaders and allies have fought to protect the extraordinary cultural and natural values of our home against new and harmful industrial development.

October 22, 2021
Op-Ed: Create a tribal-led marine sanctuary and stop oil spills on the California coast

Although I spent most of my career in Washington, D.C., my home and heart have always been along California’s beautiful Central Coast. Growing up along the shores of Monterey Bay inspired my lifelong commitment to promoting responsible stewardship of our oceans.

September 19, 2021
Sierra Club Newsletter

Sierra Club has reprinted the recent Real Clear Policy op-ed by Violet Sage Walker, traditional vice-chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribe, in their latest newsletter and it would be great if folks could lift it up!  In the op-ed Violet describes the opportunity for the Biden Administration to designate the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary […]

March 21, 2021
OnlyOne: Reclaiming the California Coastline

A Northern Chumash descendant of Avila Beach and San Luis Obispo County, California, Violet Sage Walker is campaigning tirelessly for the proposed 140-mile Chumash National Marine Sanctuary in order to regain her community’s fundamental rights.

October 17, 2020
Nautilus

When and where we dive with Nautilus has been a moving target this past week with equipment failures and bad weather conditions (wind and swell). We’ve be hiding in the lee of Channel Islands and just completed two dives over the past two days. A week sooner than anticipated – we all rallied and Lizzie […]

October 13, 2020
Carbajal, Feinstein Applaud NOAA Decision to Keep Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on Nomination List

Congressman Salud Carbajal and Senator Feinstein applauded National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on their recent decision to keep the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on the nomination list...

September 29, 2020
Five Year Review

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has completed our five-year review of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary nomination and determined that this nomination continues to meet the 11 sanctuary nomination process criteria. 

June 15, 2020
Last Chance

Last Chance: Public Comments Closing June 15th!  The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting written comments to facilitate ONMS review of the nomination for Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS). NOAA will also assess the level of community-based support for the nomination from a broad range of […]

May 26, 2020
Director Crowfoot

During these unprecedented times, the California Natural Resources Agency remains committed to protecting the state’s ocean and marine environment, economy, and historical and cultural artifacts. With this letter, I submit for the record my enthusiastic support to renew the nomination for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS).

May 26, 2020
Talking Points

It’s time to speak out for the ocean – you can make a difference Being near the ocean is unlike other places—it has a magical quality that allows people and families the opportunity to create unforgettable memories. We celebrate our spiritual blessing ceremonies, community gatherings, holidays, weddings, births and memorials to life here. We want […]

May 25, 2020
Chumash Sanctuary Nomination

Indigenous Peoples have a unique perspective. When incorporated with science, our perspectives highlight Grandmother Ocean’s life and connectivity in a living matrix of thrivability. The connectivity of life in Grandmother Ocean needs our assistance in understanding ways to support the life force of our Grandmother Ocean, in these times.

May 25, 2020
Letter from Secretary Panetta

I am writing this letter to offer my wholehearted support to renew the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) nomination that may expire this year. I encourage you to promote NOAA's examination and analysis of this appeal and argue for the importance of maintaining the CHNMS in NOAA's inventory.

May 4, 2020
Five Year Plan

On May 4, 2020, NOAA published a Federal Register notice to solicit public comments on Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary nomination and its consideration to remain on the inventory of successful nominations for an additional 5 years. NOAA will assess whether conditions that warranted its inclusion in the inventory of nominated sites still apply, including the […]

May 4, 2020
Letter to NOAA

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) and the Indigenous Communities around the world are working to provide solutions to assist Grandmother Oceans in the ever expanding troubling challenges that we face today. NCTC would like to thank you (Mr. Douros,) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

January 3, 2020
Feinstein Calls on Commerce Secretary to Accelerate Designation of Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today called on Commerce Secretary Ross to accelerate the designation of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary in an effort to combat rising carbon levels in the oceans.

February 16, 2019
NCTC opposes proposed Roosevelt statue in San Luis Obispo

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council is opposing the proposed Roosevelt statue, in Mitchell Park, in San Luis Obispo Response to opinion article  by ARTS Obispo, in the TT. 020819 To the “Good People on Both Sides” we have heard you, and you should abandon this racist’s project. To the committee working under the auspices of […]

July 3, 2018
NCTC opposes proposed Morro Bay water reclamation facility

Hello Dear Supporters, The Northern Chumash Tribal Council, Inc. is engaged with many project, protecting our environment, culture heritage and ancestral Sacred Places, please see article below, the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, Inc. is always in need of support from our great friends, thank you for all you do, together we will see the future […]

June 29, 2018
NCTC objects to proposed Avial Beach development

People protect what they love. In its latest meeting, the Avila Advisory Council (AVAC) heard a proposal from Somera Capital Management, TG Gamble concerning 50 cottage-style rentals and a lodge to be constructed overlooking San Luis Bay Drive on the property adjacent to the Avila Beach Resort Golf Course. The presentation was an effort to […]

December 20, 2017
Native American Heritage Commission agrees with Northern Chumash to protect Lisamu

From now and into the future our most sacred Lisamu (Morro Rock) will be honored in a good way. The Native American Heritage Commission agrees climbing of the Morro Rock should be prohibited in accordance with Northern Chumash and federal Law. 

February 9, 2017
SLO County Board of Supervisors vote to oppose Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary proposal

Supervisors oppose Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary proposal. Following a contentious hearing that lasted most of the day on Feb. 7, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted...

October 19, 2016
Monterey Bay Aquarium supports designating the Chumash Heritage sanctuary

On behalf of our Executive Director (Monterey Bay Aquarium) Julie Packard, please accept the attached letter urging that NOAA begin the designation process for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. The nomination was accepted by NOAA in October 2016...

November 28, 2015
Environmentalists, fishermen clash over proposed Chumash marine sanctuary

The Chumash marine sanctuary would extend 140 miles from Cambria to Santa Barbara. Proponents say it would protect a diverse Pacific ecosystem. Local fishermen say the sanctuary could lead to over-regulation. A controversial underwater national park proposed

October 11, 2015
NOAA determines Chumash Heritage sanctuary nomination meets necessary criteria

NOAA has determined the Chumash Heritage (California, Central Coast) National Marine Sanctuary nomination has successfully met the national significance criteria and management considerations described in the sanctuary nomination process. This does not guarantee that...

September 8, 2015
Letter to the Editor: Chumash Heritage sanctuary will bring significant economic benefit to the Central Coast

Last summer, we were contracted by the Sierra Club to prepare a short report on the potential economic impacts of a proposed Central Coast National Marine Sanctuary. We were careful to point out the assumptions...

July 3, 2015
NCTC seeks Native American Heritage Commission approval to protect Lisamu’

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council asked the Native American Heritage Commission to review the Salinan and Chumash boundary, NCTC and the entire archaeological world knows that the boarder is north of Paso Robles and Ragged Point, and soon there should be a written decision stating the facts.

June 21, 2015
Owe Aku needs our help stopping a uranium mine

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and informed themselves about protecting sacred water against uranium mining.  Living in Pine Ridge, we have been downstream from the Cameco, Inc. Crow Butte uranium mine for more than 30 years.

April 16, 2015
Watch: NCTC Chief Fred Collins’ interview on California Edition

California Edition Host Brad Pomerance interviews Northern Chumash Tribal Administrator Fred Collins about the tribe and their efforts to create the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Please feel free to share this link on your social media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Websites, etc.).

March 28, 2015
Letter to the Editor: Why we support a Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Designating the waters of the central coast as a national marine sanctuary “offers integrated management, a means of resolving issues, and promotion of education and research,” and “results in specific protection for habitat and resources.” So said San Luis Obispo...

March 6, 2015
Watch: NCTC Chief Fred Collins: How Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant got its name

This is an excerpt from the Jan. 2015 National Conference on Shutting Down Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant. Fred Collins, Tribal Spokesperson for the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, talks about the history and culture of his people...

February 13, 2015
NCTC formally nominates the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to NOAA

The waters of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) lie between the Channel Island National Marine Sanctuary and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The unique coastline and ocean waters are the most beautiful...

November 7, 2014
NCTC supports Defenders of the Black Hills

Uranium mining on the Great Plains is explained by Charmaine White Face, a member of the Oglala band of the Great Sioux Nation. We must get the word out post anywhere you can, this is very serious. “Defenders of the Black Hills is a group of volunteers without racial or tribal boundaries whose mission is to […]

October 18, 2014
Economic impact study finds proposed Chumash Heritage sanctuary would create $23 million in activity, 600 new jobs

The authors want to thank William Douros, Western Regional Director of National Marine Sanctuaries, for providing important financial information about sanctuary budgets; student assistant Maren Gardiner Farnum, for her research and analytical...

September 4, 2014
Recently uncovered NRC document highlights dangers of Diablo Canyon power plant

In an explosive document kept secret for a year, a former federal inspector charges that the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in California is more vulnerable to earthquakes than initially known and should be shut down until Pacific Gas & Electric Co. can prove its safety.

March 28, 2014
American Indian Education Day at Cal Poly

Spisumu is the Obispeño Chumash invitation to ‘gather together’ and Haku is the Inseño Chumash word for welcome. In that spirit, you are invited to a day of learning at Cal Poly for American Indian students, elders and Families on Saturday, April 5th

March 9, 2014
Sea for yourself: incredible footage of dolphins and gray whales off Dana Point

Captain Dave Anderson of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari in Dana Point, California, at great personal risk, has recently filmed and edited a 5-minute video that contains some of the most beautiful, jaw-dropping, footage ever taken with a drone from the air of a huge mega-pod of thousands of

September 6, 2013
Join us: The CA Central Coast Marine Sanctuary Alliance

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) would like to invite your organization to support our Indigenous proposed California Central Coast Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. NCTC has started grassroots collaboration between the Marine Sanctuary Alliance (MSA)...

September 3, 2013
The National Indigenous Congress Declaration

Please read below the National Indigenous Congress Declaration. We hope you find this interesting and share it where you think it will be read. Mexico: National Indigenous Congress – Declaration From The Seminar “Tata Juan Chávez Alonso” To the people and governments of the world:

August 24, 2013
NCTC comments on State Lands Commission’s proposed updates to Offshore Geophysical Permit Program

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is located in San Luis Obispo California, and was formed under the guidelines of California Senate Bill 18 April 26, 2006 as a California State Recognized Tribal...

July 10, 2013
2nd Annual ‘Thank You Whales’ event

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council has a relationship with all things, it is our honor to care for the land and waters, and our ancestors have been caring for this land for all time. Time, Space, One Continuum. When the Elders and Chumash Community gathered in Avila last year, on August 17, during our struggle with […]

June 5, 2013
NCTC comments on proposed Las Pilitas Quarry Project in Santa Margarita

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is a sovereign California Native American Tribal Government, located at 67 South Street, San Luis Obispo California. NCTC is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the Chumash Sacred Heritage in San Luis Obispo County.

May 28, 2013
Watch: The UN REDD+ program addresses the impact of climate change on Indigenous peoples

Climate Change is here…maybe we can dispute why but it is a fact. The REDD + initiative aimed at halting the destruction of forests has the potential to ruin or enhance the lives of millions of indigenous peoples around the world living in forests…

March 2, 2013
Action alert: Are we getting fracked?

post from SLO Clean Water Action Community Rights based Action Securing Our Right to Clean Water in perpetuity with the Rights of Nature Well, the long and short of it is YES.  How do we know we are getting fracked?  San Luis Obispo sits on the 4th largest gas and oil reserve in the United States, […]

February 14, 2013
NCTC comment to SLO County Board of Supervisors on use Indian mascot for local baseball team

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) has just recently learned that a baseball team has moved into our north county community of Templeton.  NCTC is not opposed to baseball, baseball builds team work...

January 25, 2013
NCTC comments to State Lands Commission on sonic testing permit

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) has forwarded a permit issued by your office for sonic testing around the Sacred Chumash Nations Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands, which is to start February 9th 2013. This permit was issued January 21, 2013. On December 3, 2012 NCTC sent you a letter expressing the California Native

January 17, 2013
NCTC comments on NRC Draft Tribal Protocol Manual

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is located in San Luis Obispo California, and was formed under the guidelines of California Senate Bill 18 April 26, 2006 as a California State Recognized Tribal Government by the California Native American Heritage Commission, local Chumash community and local government.

January 7, 2013
NCTC comments on decommissioning Diablo Canyon

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is located in San Luis Obispo California, and was formed under the guidelines of California Senate Bill 18 April 26, 2006 as a California State Recognized Tribal Government by the California Native American Heritage Commission, organized and dedicated to preservation...

December 20, 2012
NCTC comments on Dana Adobe Draft EIR

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is providing the following comments for the draft EIR that the San Luis Obispo County Planning & Building Department has begun pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the proposed Dana Adobe Land Use Ordinance Amendment and Conditional Use Permit.

December 7, 2012
Join us: A walk for a nuclear free future

After fasting near the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and celebrating the Buddha’s enlightenment in LA, our friends from Nipponzan Myohoji end twelve days of action for a nuclear-free Mother Earth with a 12-mile walk from the gates of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant into the city of San Luis Obispo. The walk will […]

December 6, 2012
An update from Native Herbs & Honey Company

What a busy year. We have missed our emails for almost an entire year.  We meant to send a newsletter  but time has been flying by.  We hope that this finds all our friends well. We wanted to let you know what we have been up to. First,  we are still here, doing well, recovering […]

November 28, 2012
NCTC comments to NRC on decommissioning Diablo Canyon

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is located in San Luis Obispo California, and was formed under the guidelines of California Senate Bill 18 April 26, 2006 as a State Recognized Tribal Government by the Native American Heritage Commission, organized and dedicated to preservation of the...

November 16, 2012
A message from Barbareno Chumash Council on CA Coastal Commission’s denial of PG&E’s permit for seismic testing

Message from Marcus Lopez Co-Chair Barbareno Chumash Council of Santa Barbara: Congratulation to all who participated to defend our relatives! The Calif. Coastal Commission voted unanimously to deny PG&E its permit. You can be proud of the governing

November 16, 2012
Photos: CA Coastal Commission hearing on seismic testing

Dear COAST Alliance members and friends of the oceans, I’m so proud of our activists’ collective dedication, determination and subsequent victory in convincing the California Coastal Commission to flatly deny PG&E’s permit to move ahead on murderous ocean blasting off the California Central Coast.

November 16, 2012
Save our Seas festival a huge success

A deep heart felt thank you to everyone who “liked” or “shared” information about Stopping the Diablo Canyon Seismic Testing. Though the battle against PG&E’s high-energy seismic test appears winnable this fall, the war for the future of seismic testing in Estero Bay may be far from over, requiring constant vigilance, and that was the […]

November 9, 2012
NCTC Comments to CA Coastal Commission on seismic testing

There is a fair amount of research available concerning offshore Native American Sacred Sites and NCTC wants to make sure that our voice pointing out these very important pre-historical Californian Native American Sacred Sites is heard loud and clear...

November 9, 2012
Save our Seas Music Festival to stop seismic testing

Save Our Seas Music FestivalSunday 11/11 at 11am. Festival goes til sundown! @ Tideland’s Park Morro Bay This is a music festival to stand up and say “Save our Seas!” Come to Morro Bay’s Tideland Park (at the South end of the Embarcadero) Lineup:Introduction and Chumash Blessing by FRED COLLINS of the Northern Chumash Tribal […]

September 27, 2012
Big turnout at CA Fish & Game Commission meeting opposing PG&E seismic testing

Big turnout against seismic testing at Commission meeting. One thing was very clear from the Fish and Game Commission meeting held in Sacramento on Monday, September 24 – the vast majority of people, including Commission members, environmentalists...

September 25, 2012
Barbareno Chumash Council statement on PG&E seismic testing

The territorial, cultural, and religious rights of the Chumash Nation are being challenged and undermined in insidious ways by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the Diablo Nuclear Power Plant establishment.

September 20, 2012
NCTC statement of concerns against PG&E seismic offshore testing along the SLO County coastline

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) is a tribal governing body whose members are from San Luis Obispo County and they have been the living continuum of Chumash Peoples for over 18,000 years. Living along this sacred coastline...

September 3, 2012
Tomol crossing to Limuw

Tomol Crossing to Limuw 2012 Ventura Harbor to Limuw September 8, 9 and 10, 2012 Here are a few more images from our Tomol Village Hop 2012 at Avila Beach. It was a Beautiful day.  You’ll no doubt recognize someone special in these  photos… See you next week for the Tomol Crossing to Limuw 2012? […]

August 24, 2012
Photos: Annual Chumash Nation Tomol Village Hop

We hosted our Annual Chumash Nation Tomol Village Hop at Chicqawt’ (Morro Bay)  and Tsipxatu (Avila Beach) August 18-19 2012 was filled with Sunrise and Launch Ceremonies, Blessings, and Stories. The tomols paddled the Chumash villages of Chicqawt’...

August 9, 2012
Action alert: Seismic study hearing

Due to ongoing budgetary constraints, the Commission in 2012 has had to forego its past practices of scheduling half of its annual meetings outside of Sacramento and conducting certain meetings at locations where great public interest exists regarding an item on the agenda. In response to the significant interest expressed by a large number of […]

July 3, 2012
Watch: The Paddle to Swinomish, Northwest Indian News

NorthWest Indian News Episode #50 stories: “Paddle to Swinomish” “Chumash Canoe Story” (go to 07:44) “Preparing for Tribal Journey” “Lushootseed: A Living Language” What a beautiful interview and a long time coming…I feel a great deal of pride for our People!!! Thanks to all of the those of past, present and future who have participated […]

June 20, 2012
NCTC objects to improper climbing access to Morro Rock

On Friday, June 22, 2012, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), in violation of numerous state and federal laws, including those protecting nesting birds, (Migratory Bird Act) will allow the Salinan Tribe of Monterey & San Luis Obispo Counties (Salinan Tribe) to climb to the top of Morro Rock. Morro Rock is a […]

June 2, 2012
World Intellectual Property Organization Blasted for ‘Misappropriation’ of Indigenous Knowledge, Resources

Dozens of Indigenous Peoples showed up at a presentation by the World Intellectual Property Organization at the 11th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues...

March 16, 2012
Carrizo Plain designated a National Historic Landmark

The National Park Service this week designated the Carrizo Plain Archeological District in California as a National Historic Landmark. The remote eastern edge of San Luis Obispo County represents a unique concentration of ancient sites, art, and artifacts. Anthropologists, archeologists, artists...

December 4, 2011
Watch: NCTC Chief Fred Collins discussing the Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples on American Indian Movement Santa Barbara

NCTC Chief Fred Collins discussing the Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples on American Indian Movement Santa Barbara

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