The waters surrounding the Channel Islands provide
present day man with a window into past cultures. Located at
the islands are the remains of perhaps the earliest island
inhabitants, dating back 13,000 years BP. Historically the
islands were a special place to the Native Americans known
as the Chumash who traveled to the islands in plank canoes
called tomols.
“As with other coastal indigenous nations,
Chumash people are restoring our heritage of intimacy with
the sea for the dual purpose of protecting her and as a means
of rediscovering our dignity and identity as a people sprung
from this place.”
Roberta R. Cordero Member and co-founder of the Chumash
Maritime Association |
