Preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures is a critical part of the mission of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries. Here, members of the Chumash community paddle a traditional redwood plank canoe (tomol) at sunrise, crossing from the mainland of California to the Channel Islands, a sacred place in Chumash culture. This tomol, called ‘Elye'wun (Swordfish), was built and launched in 1997 under the leadership of the Chumash Maritime Association and funded by a grant from NOAA. Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary maintains close ties to the Chumash community through its support for events like tomol crossings and a Chumash seat on its sanctuary advisory council. Photo Credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA
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