The Wishtoyo Foundation protects and preserves the culture and history of coastal communities and fosters responsibility to our waters, marine habitats and watersheds through research, education, community action and where necessary, citizen enforcement. We aim to utilize traditional Chumash beliefs, practices, songs, stories and dances to create self-respect and a greater awareness of our connection with, and dependence upon, the natural Environment.

Wishtoyo Foundation Staff

Mati Waiya, Founder & Executive Director 

Lin Myerson, Grants / Office Manager

Tim King, Nicholas Canyon Project Site Manager


Wishtoyo Foundation Board of Directors

Charlie Cooke, Chairman - Hereditary Chief, Chumash Nation

Terry Tamminen, Director - Cullman Senior Fellow, New  American Foundation; former Secretary of the California EPA, and co-founder of Wishtoyo Foundation

Carole Goldberg, Secretary - Professor, UCLA School of Law

Beau Bridges, Director - Actor & Director

Max Gail, Director - Actor & Director, LAP Foundation

Deborah Sanchez, Director - Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court



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