Photo: Blair Morris | Unsplash
Beginning around 11,000 B.C., the 7,000 square foot area of land and sea between Malibu and Paso Robles has been considered the territory of the Chumach people. Although the population of the Chumach people has diminished over the years, this indigenous tribe calls themselves the "first people" and home to the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding area. Violet Sage Walker, the Chumash tribal chair, and the other members of her tribe, are asking for federal protection of this land as new developments and climate change threaten resources and resident species. Walker, who is following in the footsteps of her late father, Fred Collins, is proposing that the 156 miles of coastline be turned into a national marine sanctuary. This area would prevent offshore drilling while providing a much needed sanctuary for sea birds, fish, invertebrates and marine mammals. The target date for completing the nomination process is 2024, with others believing it has a very good chance of being approved. In the meantime, Walker carries on her father's legacy by asking herself, "Am I doing enough? Can we all do something better?"
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