Pasadena Waldorf School Invite You to Support Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary

Photo of Grade 6 class trip to Santa Cruz Island in 2022

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Pasadena Waldorf School invite you to support the the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, one of the biggest marine conservation opportunities in the region.

Nominated by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council in 2015, the proposed sanctuary stretches along 134 miles of coastline from Montaña de Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo County to Naples, along the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County and encompasses nearly 6,000 square miles of water. The federal government is proposing this area for permanent protection as a sanctuary to preserve its rich marine ecosystem – a biological hotspot for sea birds, marine mammals including migratory whales, sea turtles, and other marine life – important offshore features like the Rodriguez Seamount and Santa Lucia Bank, and cultural resources and connections of Indigenous communities to the area.

Photo taken during Grade 6 class trip to Santa Cruz Island in 2022

The draft management plan includes a framework for tribal and Indigenous collaborative management, providing a unique and special opportunity to involve, recognize, and celebrate Indigenous peoples’ values, knowledge, traditions, and modern day and cultural connections to the area.

Public comments of support are open until October 25. This is an actionable way those of us who are on occupied lands can support protecting our oceans and wildlife, and provide greater autonomy and connection for the Chumash tribe on their ancestral territory.

Pasadena Waldorf School (Machris Mariposa Campus K-8), 209 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, (626) 794-9564 or visit https://www.pasadenawaldorf.org/.