Short Wave Why A Proposed Marine Sanctuary Could Make History
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Sep 11, 2023 
In this discussion, NPR climate reporter Lauren Sommer delves into the potential establishment of a national marine sanctuary off California's coast, a significant move led by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council. She highlights the sanctuary's cultural importance, intertwining tribal heritage and modern environmental science, including innovative DNA techniques to study marine ecosystems. The conversation also confronts challenges faced by the tribe in managing these waters while balancing autonomy, community trust, and the preservation of sacred sites.
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Chumash Resistance
- The Chumash tribe, including Violet Sage Walker, fought against a liquefied natural gas terminal proposed at Point Conception in the 1970s.
- They consider Point Conception a sacred site where souls depart, highlighting its spiritual significance.
A Father's Vision
- Violet Sage Walker's father formally proposed the marine sanctuary to the federal government.
- He envisioned the Chumash people once again using their language and practicing their traditions on their ancestral lands.
Proactive Partnership
- The Chumash are proactively partnering with scientists like Steve Palumbi to monitor the ecosystem's health.
- They use a simple fishing rod method to collect environmental DNA and identify marine life, demonstrating their commitment to the sanctuary's future.