Preservation of Chumash Culture from one generation to the next...
Practice of traditonal culture is the preservation, protection, and indigenous soveriegnty for future generations. There is no better way to pass on our cultural heritage to the young ones than to live a life of dignity, respect, understanding, compassion and generosity for self, family, elders, community and the natural world. Chumash youth learn these ways of understanding life through listening to stories from the elders who teach them their language, how to relate to the natural world, seen and unseen, using all their senses while harvesting from the land or ocean, fishing or hunting, participating in ceremony and community gatherings so they'll know all their relations. The elders teach them songs. There are songs that are community songs. Songs that belong to families. Songs that are only sung for special ceremonies. We learn and practice these ways and pray for harmonious internal and external worlds. Our job is to continue to provide opportunities through, programs, education, gatherings, and ceremony for youth and community.
"I don't believe in magic. I believe in the sun and the stars, the warer, the tides, the floods, the owls, the hawks flying, the river running, the wind talking. They're measurements. They tell us how healthy things are. How healthy we are. Because we and they are the same. That's what I believe in."
-- Billy Frank Jr. (March 9, 1931 - May 5, 2014)
Indigenous Hell-Raiser as National Hero: Billy Frank, Jr. Wins Presidential Medal Of Freedom
Billy frank, Jr., Nisqually Elder, provided the first annual Chumash Tomol (CHUMASH CANOE) journey of 2001 with encouragement and inspiration. He was so happy in his heart to learn of this historic event that was about to take place from the mainland of oxnard harbor to Limuw (Santa Cruz island) for the first time in over 100 years. Billy sent us 10 huge traditionally harvested salmon from the Nisqually river that he fought so hard to protect which provided a feast for the paddlers and the community. With those life giving salmon he sent encouragement to stay on the water and continue our canoe culture...for the next canoe journey of 2004, he not only sent 10 more salmon, he accepted our invitation to come out limuw to witness the canoe journey and camp with our community on our island of origin, Limuw! We continue to cherish his friendship, and wise leadership. Billy passed away in 2014. his generousity, wisdom, leadership, encouraging words, and meaningful actions will live on in our community and the world indefinantly.
Community events, programs and ceremonies.
