Wishtoyo - News & Publications

Newsletter ~ Vol I, Winter 1998

What is Wishtoyo?
by Mati Waiya

Wishtoyo is a Native American organization that utilizes traditional Chumash cultural values and practices to foster environmental awareness... Wishtoyo is the Chumash word for rainbow and, like the native legend telling of the arrival of the first Chumash settlers in California on a rainbow bridge from Santa Cruz Island, Wishtoyo is a bridge, preserving the wisdom of the ancient Chumash culture and linking it to present day environmental issues.

Wishtoyo Mission

When I started this organization, my hope was that I could make a difference when it comes to understanding the Chumash culture and the need for addressing environmental concerns. I am a Chumash ceremonial leader and Dolphin Dancer. As the founder and guiding hand behind Wishtoyo, my hope is to preserve the Chumash culture by gathering, preserving and using traditional beliefs, practices, songs, stories and dances to create self-respect and a greater awareness of our connection with, and dependence upon, the natural environment.

Note: The picture above is of Mati Waiya, Dolphin Dancer.

Wishtoyo is a non-profit organization and relies on grants and donations to achieve its many goals.

I would like to thank all the integral people who have contributed to the vision of Wishtoyo and helped make the dream of this organization into a reality.

On-Going Projects

On-line Chumash Virtual Museum
This would include an interactive viewing of local and foreign collections of Chumash artifacts in three dimensions via the Internet. Please visit our current exhibit on this site!

Chumash Demonstration Village and Cultural Center.
In association with local university.

Chumash Museum
Working closely with other agencies trying to retrieve and house Chumash artifacts that have been removed from archaeological sites.

Children's Educational Manuals
Introducing how people of the past regarded the natural resources of our planet.

Environmental Protection
Work with local environmental advocacy groups.

Kelp Bed Restoration
Currently working with Santa Monica Baykeeper organization to preserve the kelp beds in the coastal waters.

Educational Programs
Crafts, songs and dance. Demonstrate traditional customs of the Chumash.

The California Indian Conference is an annual gathering for the exchange of views and information among academics, American Indians, students, and other community members. Any topic reflecting humanistic, scientific, artistic, or social concern with California Indian people and their cultural heritage is welcome. Past topics have included dance, storytelling, native languages, anthropology, law, and social issues.

Anyone interested in giving a paper or presentation should send an abstract of 150 words to Lee Davis at the address below. Abstracts received after January 5, 1998 will be considered only if space is available on the program. Please be sure to include a phone number, and let us know if you will be available on both Friday and Saturday. Inquiries are welcome: contact Lee Davis by phone at (415) 338-6583 or email califia@sfsu.edu or mail to the address below.

Registration before the conference is $20.00 ($10.00 for students; free for Native people, but donations are accepted). During the conference, registration is $25 ($15 for students, still free for Native people). To register in advance, send your name, mailing address, institutional or tribal affiliation, phone number, fax number and email address.

Lee Davis (California Indian Conference Registration)
Anthropology Department
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA 94132

Back to Newsletters Page