California’s central coast has been inhabited by Indigenous Peoples for at least 10,000 years, and some evidence exists for occupation dating as far back as 18,000 years. In the region near the sanctuary, Chumash and Salinan Peoples hold the California central coast’s ecosystems as essential to their heritage and have been its stewards since the beginning of their creation.
For hundreds of generations, Chumash Peoples have lived in a reciprocal relationship of balance as part of this environment. It is important to recognize that despite devastating historical challenges, the Indigenous Peoples of this coast did not disappear. Rather, they have maintained and revitalized themselves and remain dedicated to the ongoing stewardship of their cultures, lands, traditions, resources, and sacred sites. Today, they continue to care for the environment and their cultures, while resiliently surviving the brutal trials and trauma of history.
The opportunity to respectfully and appropriately include Indigenous Knowledge, and the facilitation of Tribal and Indigenous community collaborative co-stewardship, are core components of the sanctuary’s management goals. Respect for and participation by Indigenous Peoples is central to the purpose and success of this sanctuary.
Honoring Indigenous Cultural Heritage
NOAA and its Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is grateful for the generous sharing of ideas, advice, and wisdom provided by a wide range of local Tribes and Indigenous community members that inspired designation of this sanctuary and informed its management plan. NOAA welcomes the opportunity to build trust and relationships over time with Tribal governments, organizations, and Indigenous Peoples interested in the sanctuary.
Tribes, Indigenous Groups, and Cultural-Serving Organizations
This list of links reflects local Tribal organizations, Indigenous groups, and other organizations that were involved with the sanctuary designation process between 2021–2024. This is not intended to reflect a complete list of all Chumash groups. Also, NOAA lists these entries with due respect to the fact that not all such organizations were created as similar entities (tribes, organizations, associations, etc.)
Federally Recognized Tribal Nation
Other Tribes and Indigenous Groups
- yak tityu tityu yak tilhini (YTT) Northern Chumash Tribe
- Northern Chumash Tribal Council
- Northern Chumash Bear Clan
- Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation
- Barbareño Band of Chumash Indians
- Barbareño Chumash Tribal Council
- Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians
Salinan Tribes and Indigenous Groups
- Salinan Tribe of Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties
- Xolon Salinan Tribe
- Salinan Trowtraahl of the Salinan Nation Cultural Preservation Association