April 2024 Chumash Sanctuary Campaign Update
Northern Chumash Tribal Council and Morro Bay Offshore Wind Leaseholders Announce Joint Support for Marine Sanctuary
On April 23rd, The Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) and all three Morro Bay Offshore Wind Leaseholders announced a joint position in full support of a phased approach to the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
NCTC and Morro Bay Leaseholders support the timely designation of the CHNMS with the shared belief that responsible offshore wind development and maintenance are compatible with the protection and conservation of vital marine sanctuary resources.
“At this crucial time, we must prioritize conservation efforts and take concrete steps to secure the CHNMS. Our collective participation in this work over the years should inspire us to push forward with even greater determination. If we work collaboratively and cooperatively to address climate change, we can overcome any obstacles in our way. Failure to do so will result in losses for all of us. Let's move forward confidently and make a positive impact together." - Chairwoman Violet Sage Walker
All parties have reached an agreement that, following initial designation, and at an appropriate time, NCTC and the Morro Bay Leaseholders will jointly support expansion of the CHNMS boundary to connect to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Chumash Sanctuary Outreach
The NCTC team has been working nonstop to ensure the proposed CHNMS designation be kept in the limelight.
This month Chairwoman Violet Sage Walker was announced as one of Congressman Salud Carbajal’s six winners of the 2024 Congressional Women of the Year award on the Central Coast.
“This year's recipients of the Women of the Year Award are making exceptional strides to improve the quality of life on the Central Coast. Their remarkable efforts often go unnoticed, yet they continue to make a significant impact. It is my honor to highlight these six extraordinary women for their contributions to our community.” - Congressman Salud Carbajal
In early April Chairwoman Violet Sage Walker met with a visiting delegation of Tibetan Monks for a blessing of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.
The Chumash Sanctuary booth participated in the 2024 SLO County Earth Day. Michael Khus-zarate, Bear Clan Elder and NCTC Board Member, led the event’s Welcome Ceremony.
Thank you for your continued support!
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Team