Wishtoyo Foundation Annual Report 2018

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

04

05

06

09

12

23

27

29

36

39

42

50

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

EDUCATING FUTURE STEWARDS

FINANCIAL REPORT

MISSION & VISION

PRESERVING CHUMASH CULTURE

STAFF & BOARD

WISHTOYO BY THE NUMBERS

MOBILIZING FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES

KAQINALIN (THANK YOU)

WISHTOYO CHUMASH VILLAGE

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

MEMBERSHIP

3

W

ishtoyo has arrived here from humble beginnings… What was once just a dream of wanting to be heard from a cultural positioning has become a reality of achieving significant protections for the health of our land, air, water, and community. This year’s accomplishments have reaffirmed that we must bring indigenous voices to the forefront of society’s consciousness, especially at this time where our most vulnerable people and places are constantly under threat.

Through legal victories with our community and organizational partners (page 29), we have given humpback whales a chance to thrive unharmed in their traditional waters, safeguarded the endangered steelhead recovery, and protected the River of Utom’s right to have water, to mention a few. A flowing, healthy river brings us hope because where the water runs, species thrive and willow grows, and where the willow grows, we build our homes. And build we will, with the beginnings of our new First Nations Cultural Conservancy underway in the Valley of the Condor above the Utom (Santa Clara) River.

Our vision is a Conservancy that will be a continuing symbol of hope, catalyzing a vibrant cultural and ecological recovery throughout Chumash territory and for all First Nations Peoples - this is our investment in a future that extends beyond our lifetimes. It is thanks to our staff, Board, Chumash Women’s Elders Council, partners, supporters, and community that we have persevered through the thickest and thinnest of times. Together we can bring this vision to life.

Me’pšumawiš a tipašumawiš Together we are healthy and spiritually at peace,

Mati Waiya

Executive Director & Founder Chumash Ceremonial Elder, Santa Clara River Turtle Clan, Nuu-chah-nulth, Chichimeca 4

MISSION & VISION Founded in 1997, Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation is a Native-led 501(c)(3) community organization. “Wishtoyo” is the Chumash word for “rainbow” - as such, Wishtoyo serves as a “rainbow bridge” linking Chumash and First Nations culture, history, and lifeways to pressing issues of natural and cultural resource protection. Wishtoyo’s integrated cultural-environmental approach enhances the wellbeing of communities through four programmatic components:

1) PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT 2) EDUCATING FUTURE STEWARDS 3) PRESERVING CHUMASH CULTURE 4) MOBILIZING FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES

5

WISHTOYO...

4,345

K-12 students served through CTMPA programs

222

Pounds of trash picked up on Coastal Cleanup Day 6

27 Certified California Naturalist graduates

6

590

Snapshot Cal Coast:

observations

& 117

species identified

FIRST NATIONS YOUTH SUMMER FIELD STUDIES

16 6 1

Successful Clean Water Act stormwater cases

$739,500 awarded to other NGO's for supplemental environmental projects

7,000+

21

litigation victories to protect natural cultural resources

24

Ĺ muwiÄ? Chumash Language School apprentices

Visitors to Wishoyo Chumash Village

BY THE NUMBERS 7

8

WISHTOYO CHUMASH VILLAGE 'Apaniš hil Wištoyo (Wishtoyo Chumash Village) is not a museum or historical recreation; rather, it is a living community gathering place that serves the Chumash People and public at large. The Village is built upon an 8,000-year old Chumash village site, so when you walk through our gates you are walking in the footsteps of our ancestors.

Nearly 7,000 visitors a year come from around the world to the 4-acre property in northern Malibu for ceremony, cultural exchange, conferences, research, and immersive learning experiences. The Village is truly the heart of Wishtoyo - it plays a significant role in our cultural preservation efforts, not only housing traditional structures and material culture such as ‘ap’áp’ (tule and willow Chumash homes), the sil'i'yik (ceremonial circle), and 'apa'yik (sweat house), but providing a safe and sacred place for Solstices, Equinoxes, sweats, and all of life's stages from namings to weddings and memorials.

Our education programs are all held at the Village, which serves as an all-in-one outdoor classroom, campground, and scientific field site. Students have access to nearby Nicholas Canyon County Beach (the famous "Zeros" surf spot), our award-winning Nicholas Canyon Creek restoration area, vegetable garden, and acres of native plant gardens. In this space, we can conduct

community science monitoring, practice spear-throwing with atlatl, and learn how to cook traditional foods. However, those who have been to the Village know that some of the most memorable moments are songs and storytelling around the fire.

In 2018, Wishtoyo staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to complete Village build-out plans, including the ramada (outer circle), a rock wall in the sil'i'yik, covered picnic area, outdoor kitchen renovations, native plant restoration along the banque and Women's Circle, trail clearing, structural preservation, and the beginnings of our new Welcome Center.

While the Village is not open to the public, we regularly host community events such as Earth Day, Solstice and Equinox Ceremonies, and volunteer opportunites.

For more information on private tours, programs, and events, please contact info@wishtoyo.org.

The word Malibu comes from "Humaliwu" where the waves sound loudly 9

10

11

EDUCATING FUTURE STEWARDS CTMPA K-12 Education Programs Wishtoyo's Chumash Tribal Marine Protected Areas (CTMPA) education program was established in 2012 as an effort to provide integrated cultural and environmental curriculum and field trip opportunities for K-12 students throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. In our experience as a Native-led community organization, we find that quality of education about the local environment and Native American history varies dramatically from classroom to classroom. Even more so, standardized curriculums overlook and exclude many cultural and historical perspectives that students – and all California residents – could benefit from.

Wishtoyo’s unique method of sharing contemporary and traditional Chumash ways of life and the environment through a lens of reciprocal relationship is our solution to this issue. The core methodologies and principles of our curriculum are rooted in 15,000 years of indigenous history – locally relevant and highlighting a healthier way of interacting with the places we live. In this way, we can weave Western science, ecology, history, and cultural traditions together to appeal to and connect to people of all backgrounds.

Creating these personal relationships with the environment during the impressionable years of grade school is critical to raising a generation that values environmental stewardship. Ultimately, these students will be the ones to preserve and protect their rights and access to a healthy 12

environment and healthy communities – today’s youth will be the leaders, scientists, parents, policymakers, and advocates of tomorrow. An educated and invested public constituency will determine the quality of our world in the future.

CTMPA programs are held at Wishtoyo Chumash Village. Small student groups rotate between various educational activities, customized to the academic level and interests of each group.

Experiments with cabbage acid-base indicators teach about ocean acidification and its effects on shelled species, combined with crafting traditional yucca cordage for an abalone necklace.

Processing acorns with a mortar and pestle teaches about Native food sovereignty, traditional foods preparation, and California oak ecology. Traditional Chumash songs, dances, storytelling, and games aid in understanding the culture, practices, and history of the maritime Chumash People.

First Nations Youth Summer Field Studies Wishtoyo’s First Nations Youth Summer Field Study was established in 2013 as a summer program that offers Native American high school students an opportunity to explore STEM careers and engage in cultural and marine science studies through a cultural lens. Students form sustainable support networks with strategic planning for academic achievement in partnership with universities, tribal entities, and other Native nonprofit organizations. In Summer 2018, we served a record number of ~175 participants over the course of 6 overnight 14

programs with Soboba Tribal TANF, Morongo Tribal TANF, Washoe Tribe Outdoor Expeditions programs, Pitzer Native Youth to College, Torres Martinez Tribal TANF, and Native Like Water.

Program participants ranged in age from 10-24 years old, primarily high school students, and traveled from various areas in Southern California but also as far away as the Pacific Northwest. Three of our program partners were returning and three were new. In prior years, Wishtoyo generally booked 2-3 programs per summer, but due to increased exposure and word of mouth, the demand for our program has skyrocketed and we have already begun booking for Summer 2019!

Students increase their understanding of marine science and their own Indigenous Traditional Knowledge through collegepreparatory curriculum, career planning, intercultural exchange, scientific research, citizen science monitoring, native plant restoration, recreation, traditional crafts and foods, and moot court activities.

Participants come to us with a wide range of backgrounds, including at-risk youth and competitive selection academic programs. In all of our programs, we emphasized a traumainformed, strengths-based education approach with the goal of increasing students’ self-esteem, academic confidence, connection to their community, and career/college prospects.

15

16

AUTOCHTHONOUS LAND RIGHTS & DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY MOOT COURT In July 2018, Wishtoyo hosted our first moot court during the First Nations Youth Summer Field Study in partnership with Pitzer College's Native Youth to College program.

Moot court is an educational exercise which involves a simulated court of appeals. Unlike a mock trial, a moot court does not involve actual testimony by witnesses or cross-examination, but is focused solely on the application of the law to a set of assumptions, facts, and clarifications to which the competitors are introduced. Wishtoyo’s moot court curriculum was developed by our staff attorney Geneva Thompson and legal fellows, Cameron Lee and Melodie Meyer. It focuses on a simulated appeal before the US Supreme Court of the Chunie v. Ringrose (1986) case regarding Chumash title to the Channel Islands and the remaining legacy of US legal precedent which extends back to the Doctrine of Discovery via the Marshall Court’s decision in Johnson v. M’Intosh (1823).

This exercise was an opportunity for students to make, engage with, and go beyond the provided arguments, exercising their own capacity for argumentation and critical thought. Students gained insight into ways that Chumash cultural values, heritage, and history can be represented in the context of the United States’ court system, developed a better understanding of the way that American jurisprudence has treated land rights of autochthonous people, and experienced how to work with problematic precedent.

They were also able to explore the difference between United States legal title and Indigenous concepts of land ownership. This was an opportunity for indigenous youth to practice public speaking where they had to think on their feet in order to answer the “judge’s” questions. Through this exercise, they were also able to gain a sense of empowerment and enhanced confidence in their ability to express themselves.

17

18

CALIFORNIA NATURALIST In partnership with UC Cooperative Extension, Wishtoyo hosted our 2nd annual California Naturalist certification course in Summer 2018.

The goal of the CalNat program is to foster a diverse community of naturalists and promote stewardship of California’s natural resources through education and service. Our unique program is designed specifically for California Coastal Native Nations, building community capacity and providing adult education opportunities that incorporate and elevate indigenous perspectives. Wishtoyo’s extended 11-week course focuses on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, coastal ecology, and marine science in addition to the standard CalNat curriculum.

Beyond the certification, our class creates a community of indigenous people who are bonded by shared experiences and passions.

This year’s 10-week online seminar series featured speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. Steve Windhager (Executive Director, Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens) taught about the history of conservation philosophy, restoration ecology, and fire management.

Tina Ngata (Maori relationship/resource management and environmental sustainability expert) discussed Traditional Ecological Knowledge, the continuing impacts of colonialism, and responses by modern indigenous communities. Additional weekly topics included community science, intertidal and kelp forest ecology, oceanography, steelhead biology and conservation, ethnobotany, and geology.

19

The class culminated in a 5-day, overnight immersion week at Wishtoyo Chumash Village. During this week, we reviewed material covered in the required texts and online webinars, engaged in activities to gain practical skills, and shared Capstone Projects with our friends and families during Graduation Ceremony. The day-to-day curriculum of the immersion week included guest speakers such as oak expert Dr. Victoria Sork of UCLA, and marine educator Linda Chilton of USC SeaGrant, as well roundtable discussions, nature journaling, scientific monitoring training, and outdoor activities. Some of our favorite moments included sandy beach monitoring for erosion and sand crabs for LiMPETS and Urban Tides, nature journaling with guest artist, Joe

20

Lyles, hikes to Nicholas Flats, and midnight grunion runs!

We offered workshops on traditional foods, medicines, regenerative indigenous tending practices. and material crafts such as seed beaters, plant fiber cordage, elderberry clapper sticks.

In total, we have graduated 27 Certified California Naturalists (16 in 2017 and 11 in 2018), each of whom completed a capstone project, demonstrated an understanding of curriculum topics, and whose perspective as a naturalist is rooted in Indigenous Traditional Knowledge. Graduates continue on to serve as volunteers, educators, and advocates for natural and cultural resource protection.

"The Wishtoyo Naturalist Program has had an immense effect on my life. As a GenderQueer Trans person, I have never felt more at home and welcomed by the Elders and participants from the program. This program truly integrates and transcends the cultural and scientific knowledge that is desperately needed for the future and survival of our planet and all the relatives that inhabit the earth. I felt I could be my most authentic self and made a strong connection that keeps my passion for the climate and the healing that our society needs. I am forever grateful for The Chumash People and the knowledge they have given me. I continue my personal fight for restorative justice and recognition of indigenous peoples."

- Andre Loyola, California Naturalist 2018 21

22

CULTURAL PROGRAMS Our path to a healthy future is guided by looking through the eyes of our ancestors; a deep connection to culture and place that transcends the modern environmental “movement” or Western science. All of Wishtoyo’s work is rooted in cultural understanding, respect, traditional lifeways, and intergenerational and global cultural exchange. We work to bring much needed indigenous voices, perspectives, and Traditional Knowledge to the table, to address innumerable and seemingly insurmountable issues that plague our planet today.

Ceremony holds an important space in our work, differentiating and distinguishing us from most NGO’s who work on similar issues. For instance, we honor the cycle of the seasons through traditional ceremonies for both our Native and non-Native communities, taking the time to acknowledge the natural processes that inform how we live, eat, dress, and behave, including for the Solstices, Equinoxes, and seasonal yoga retreats. Similarly, we honor the cycles of life through traditional naming, coming-of-age, wedding, and crossing over ceremonies.

consensus around issues that are integral to our core values and aims, from Indigenous Peoples Day to World Oceans Day. We also promote the visibility of indigenous culture and sovereignty by sponsoring public forums such as the Global Indigenous Wisdom Summit and by speaking at events like the National Marine Educators Conference, and by representing the Chumash community on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council.

Our work also focuses on preserving Chumash lifeways through internal capacity building, cultural preservation, and

Wishtoyo makes it an organizational priority to facilitate and host cultural gatherings that build community, coalition, and 23

passing on knowledge to younger generations. The Chumash Women’s Elders Council, along with Executive Director and Ceremonial Elder, Mati Waiya, form the traditional leadership of Wishtoyo Chumash Village. Some of our efforts include: basketry and material culture workshops, the Syuxtun Plant Mentorship Collective, traditional sweats, facilitating the Chumash Community Coalition, and the Šmuwič Language School.

Over 25 students regularly participate in our Šmuwič Language School with monthly classes at our offices in Saticoy. The continuance of speaking our language - the sounds of our culture - is of great importance to cultural

24

survival. Learning and passing on the songs, stories and dances of our ancestors is a responsibility that includes making new songs, stories and dances that reflect what is happening today.

Chumash Elders, Johnny Moreno and Deborah Sanchez, have dedicated their lives to “reawakening our memory” by keeping the sounds of the Šmuwič language present. Under their leadership and guidance, current and future generations will learn the Šmuwič (Barbareño) language. The primary goal of Wishtoyo's Šmuwič Language School is to provide an avenue of practice and preservation of the Šmuwič language through songs and stories that can be shared with all Chumash groups.

"We are building a foundation for our youth the mothers, fathers, leaders, teachers of tomorrow."

25

26

FIRST NATIONS ECOLOGICAL CONSERVATION ALLIANCE In its second year of development, Wishtoyo’s First Nations Ecological Conservation Alliance (FNECA) works to build capacity and mobilize strong intertribal collaboration to engage in natural and cultural resource conservation. Our fundamental belief is that protecting culture reciprocally protects the environment.

Through intercultural exchange and the sharing of experiences, information, expertise, resources, and concerns, we can connect Native Nations together and collaborate on a more impactful scale. During this administration and this last year, it has become evidently clear that we, as a human family, face demands that require creative solutions, breaking the traditional roles of nonprofits, tribes, and agencies to offer sustainable, effective solutions rooted in partnership, inclusion, and mutual support.

Wishtoyo offers a unique model as a First Nations, non-tribally affiliated, community-based, and environmental NGO. This integrated approach inherently creates opportunities to liaise and offer expertise and services to a wide array of organizations, communities, and geographies – to be the Wishtoyo (rainbow) bridge that is the core of our philosophy. Wishtoyo contributes 21 years of experience in legal advocacy, cultural/environmental protection and education, ecological conservation/restoration,

and health/spiritual wellness. Through FNECA, we host community organizing, technical, and team-building trainings and we share resources for outreach, education, Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and scientific training for monitoring and co-management.

In 2018, we hosted First Nations guests from around the world to welcome them to Chumash territory and exchange protocols and stories, including the Navajo Grandmothers and traditional Diné weavers, Maori kapahaka performers from Tuku Iho, a delegation of Kanak (indigenous New Caledonian) artists and scholars working to gain independence from colonial France, an Aboriginal Australian cultural delegation including Nyikina Nation Elder, Phillipa Cook, and an extended visit and partnership planning with Tina Ngata and Raihania Tipoki of the Te Karu o te Ika Voyaging Trust. Each of these visits bring remarkable opportunities for future collaboration. For example, Wishtoyo was honored to host a Youth Songwriting Workshop with Sam Cook and Maya Jupiter, where local indigenous youth collaborated via teleconference with Australian Aboriginal youth to compose and record a theme song “Liberation” for a show which will be featured on Australia’s NITV (National Indigenous Television).

27

I

n the nine years that I have had the honor and privilege of serving as counsel for Wishtoyo, there has not been a more exciting and critical time for our campaigns.

Following our settlement with Newhall Land and Farming Company after 7 years of legal battles over 4 cases that secured more protections for the Santa Clara River, environment, and tribal cultural resources than anyone thought possible, in 2018, Wishtoyo continued its impactful and critical work on the litigation front.

We succeeded in our Wishtoyo-led legal campaigns to: stop a towering new polluting power plant from being built along the Santa Clara River in Santa Paula; force a clean-up of a toxic industrial site in Ormond Beach and cease its polluted stormwater discharges; and to help halt expansion of an oilfield in Inglewood while securing government to government consultation for an affected tribe. In addition to these important victories, after an 11-day bench trial and grueling effort by our legal team over the course of 8 intense months, in September 2018, Wishtoyo prevailed in our most important and challenging legal battle we have headed to date - a victory against United Water in an Endangered Species Act case that should save and restore the endangered Southern California steelhead not only in the Santa Clara River watershed, but throughout their historic coastal range.

What a year to say the least! As we continue our important campaigns, and expand our impactful legal work to the international area, your support is needed now more than ever to help ensure the best possible outcomes for the health and wellbeing of our current and future generations.

Thank you,

Jason Weiner

Senior Attorney & International Program Director 28

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Legal Campaigns to Protect the Environment & Tribal Cultural Resources

Fighting Back Against a New Destructive Power Plant on the Santa Clara River: The Proposed Mission Rock Peaker Plant in Santa Paula Wishtoyo scored an instrumental victory for the Santa Clara River (Utom – the Chumash name for the River) watershed and its communities in 2018 when it successfully fought back Calpine’s proposed Mission Rock gas fired peaker power plant along its banks. Wishtoyo was the lead environmental and cultural group opposing and organizing communities against the project,

and was the only nonprofit intervener in the California Energy Commission power plant licensing proceeding that resulted in the suspension of Calpine’s application. Key to Wishtoyo’s success were the significant legal resources from Earthjustice, the work of our in-house counsel, our community outreach and organizing efforts, and participation in the public process after formally intervening in July 2017 after first commenting on the proposed project’s impacts in December 2016. As a result of the suspension, Wishtoyo has protected a plethora of Chumash Native American cultural and natural resources and the local

29

environment from severe impairment. These resources include the cultural landscape of the beautiful Utom, numerous native and endangered species, and the local air quality. Wishtoyo will continue to diligently monitor the process and vigorously work to ensure the Commission permanently terminates the Mission Rock Energy Center application, preventing the power plant from ever being built so that the invaluable sacred places and natural cultural resources along Utom will be protected.

Inglewood Oilfield Opposition to Protect Tribal Cultural Resources and the Environment In partnership with Gabrielino-Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Wishtoyo provided its legal services to aid the Tribe in preventing the expansion of the Inglewood Oil Field in Culver City's specific plan environmental review process.

Drawing upon Wishtoyo's legal expertise in protecting tribal cultural resources under the California Environmental Quality Act, Wishtoyo’s written and oral comments demonstrated the City's failure to ensure Tongva cultural resources would be protected as required by law. As a result of these comments and other concerns, the City Council voted to pause the environmental review process to consider phasing out oil production in Culver City. In addition, per Wishtoyo's request, the City re-initiated the government-to-government consultation process with the Gabrielino-Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and all other Tongva nations in regards to the impacts expanding oil drilling would have on their cultural resources.

30

Wishtoyo is now serving as an advisor to the Gabrielino-Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians for the consultation, and will continue to assist the Tribe in this capacity if the project ever comes back for approval.

Protecting the Endangered Humpback Whale In August 2018, Wishtoyo, along with its partner, the Center for Biological Diversity providing lead counsel, secured a settlement in its Endangered Species Act case against the Trump administration to achieve designation of critical habitat for the Central America, Mexico, and Western North Pacific

populations of Humpback Whales in the Pacific Ocean! The victory could not have come at a better time, as the population of endangered humpback whales that feed off California’s coast are only around 400 individuals, meaning any death or injury from entanglement in fishing gear, oil spill, and ship strikes could hurt the entire population’s recovery. At least 54 humpback whales were found tangled up in fishing gear off the West Coast in 2016. Thanks to the settlement, imminent designation of critical habitat for the three species of humpback whales has been secured, which should ensure that harmful federally permitted activities will not continue to drive humpbacks to the brink of extinction by destroying and harming important areas for migrating and feeding. This victory is also especially critical for the Chumash Peoples, who, since time immemorial, have shared their Santa Barbara Channel home waters with the species. Humpback whales have a deeply respected role in Chumash culture and protect Chumash People as they navigate through their traditional waters.

Ventura Coastkeeper Clean Water Act Campaign To date, Wishtoyo and its Ventura Coastkeeper Program have brought 16 Clean Water Act (CWA) cases against corporations operating on over 350 total acres of scrap metal yards, waste transfer stations, electric generating facilities, automobile 31

dismantling yards, and amusement park facilities. We have also brought CWA cases against cities to stop spills of raw sewage into our waters from leaky sewage pipes and to prevent discharges of inadequately treated sewage into inland and coastal waters, and in doing so, have secured a commitment from the City of Ventura to reclaim 50-100 % of the 12 million gallons per day of wastewater it generates.

In February 2018, we prevailed against Arcturus Manufacturing, an aerospace and oil and gas industry manufacturing facility that was discharging toxic metals and other pollutants into the Ormond Beach Wetlands, Mugu Lagoon, and Pacific Ocean. Our victory halted the company’s polluted stormwater discharges. It also resulted in the clean up of toxic waste and a closure plan for the site overseen by the Regional Water Quality Control Board requiring close to 100 soil testing samples to determine the extent of further clean up needed.

As a result of our efforts, a plethora of native and endangered species, the natural cultural resources in the ocean and wetlands the Chumash Peoples use to sustain their cultural lifeways, and the nearby Chumash villages of Wenemu, Kanaputeqnon, and Kasunalmu will all be protected and enhanced.

Ensuring all of California’s Water, Including Recycled Water, is Used Reasonably and Not Wastefully in this Important Time of Scarcity To help with drought and the state’s water scarcity challenges, Wishtoyo is paving the way for California water management reform through its parallel cases over the statewide, and City of Oxnard, recycled water permits. A victory would require the state to manage all of California’s water resources together in an integrated fashion, and would require all water, including recycled 32

water, to be used and managed reasonably, not wastefully, and not for crops or municipal uses that are unsustainable for a given region. Wishtoyo has just finished its briefing effort in the California Court of Appeal, where we are optimistic that our team of lawyers will secure a victory that will change California water policy for the benefit of current and future generations.

Wishtoyo Field Station Wishtoyo remains active in scientific and community science monitoring efforts, particularly in our efforts to outreach to and engage First Nations community members and other underrepresented populations in our area. Our education programs participate and train in protocols for projects including LiMPETS (sandy beach sand crab monitoring), Urban Tides (beach erosion and storm events), Ocean Conservancy trash clean-ups, #BreakFreeFromPlastic brand audits, and iNaturalist.

One fun monitoring project that volunteers participate in is

Snapshot Cal Coast, a community science effort held across the state during extreme low tides events to document coastal biodiversity and track changes temporally and geographically. In June 2018, Wishtoyo hosted four separate Snapshot Cal Coast events at Refugio State Beach, Nicholas Canyon County Beach, Stearn’s Wharf, and Surfer’s Knoll / Santa Clara River Estuary. 37 participants helped gather 590 observations, identifying over 117 different species.

In September 2018, Wishtoyo hosted Coastal Cleanup Day at Mugu Rock Beach with 90 volunteers, and a plastic “brand audit” at Nicholas Canyon County Beach. These efforts not only prevent waste from entering the ocean, but are also vital to the collection of research-grade data that can inform scientific analysis, policy, and decision-making about our coasts, and contribute to our efforts to connect communities to the health of the ocean.

33

Victory for Steelhead Along the Santa Clara River In October 2018, after years of hard work, we were pleased to announce the biggest legal victory led by Wishtoyo to date: Wishtoyo and co-plaintiffs, Center for Biological Diversity, prevailed in our Steelhead Endangered Species Act Case Against United Water Conservation District! The victory is critical for the survival and recovery the Southern California Steelhead, Chumash lifeways and cultural practices, the health of Utom's (Santa Clara River) communities, and all species in the Santa Clara River watershed.

As to United’s liability, the court found in a 152-page decision that United violated the federal Endangered Species Act by clearly causing past, ongoing, and future harm to steelhead as a result of the dam’s barrier to fish movement and diversion of water. The decision brings an end to over 20

34

years of inaction by United to implement steelhead passage and flow-release solutions at the Dam that are needed for steelhead survival and recovery. In addition, the decision continues to allow for the diversion of sufficient water for the maintenance of sustainable agriculture and municipal use in the Santa Clara River watershed and Oxnard Plain.

It was a grueling case that included an 11-day bench trial in January 2018, and an amazing performance by Wishtoyo and our wonderful team of attorneys (Chris Sproul with Environmental Advocates, Jason Weiner and Geneva Thompson of Wishtoyo, Heather Kryczka, John Buse of Center for Biological Diversity, and Fred Evenson).

By eliminating physical barriers to Isha’kowoch (glistening salmon) passage, also known as the Southern California steelhead, we are not only protecting an endangered species, but we are overcoming barriers that have interrupted the continuity of Chumash traditions and culture.

Restoring instream flows to the Santa Clara River allows steelhead access to their spawning sites, and thereby allowing restoration of our ancestral connection celebrating the seasonal return of steelhead through our shared waters.

Our victory is important for all First Nations Peoples that place a critical cultural value on steelhead that were once abundant in coastal watersheds, and for so many of the River’s communities whose wellbeing is dependent upon a healthy river system.

35

FINANCIAL REPORT 2017 Revenue Summary

36

2017 Expenses Summary

FINANCIAL REPORT

US$ in thousands

2017

Revenue

US$ in thousands

2017

Expenses

Grant & Foundation Support Litigation Reimbursement Program & Services Fees All Donations Total Revenue

$641 $391 $98 $91 $1,221

Programs Litigation Wishtoyo Chumash Village Fundraising Administrative & Overhead Total Expenses

$601 $231 $112 $119 $47 $1,110

***Full financial statements and 990's for previous years are available on our website.

To view, please visit: www.wishtoyo.org/annual-reports-financials

37

38

THE WISHTOYO TEAM Mati Waiya

Founder & Executive Director

Luhui Isha

Cultural Resources & Education Director

Jason Weiner

Senior Attorney & International Program Director

Geneva Thompson Staff Attorney

Rachel Chung

Development Director

Alicia Cordero

2018 Program Interns:

Kote Melendez

MacKayla George Alyssa Smallwood Nicholas Miller

First Nations Program Officer

Village Site Manager & Social Media Tech

Sergio Valenzuela

Village Site Assistant

Jill Hoffman

2018 Legal Clerks: Melodie Meyer Cameron Lee Rose Rushing

Bookkeeper

Village Guardians:

Tano Cabugos

Shoshoy, Sumo, Utom, Ixchel, Ashka, Louie, Akima

Outdoor Education Specialist

To Contact Staff: Info@wishtoyo.org

39

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Deborah Sanchez Chairwoman

Carole Goldberg President

Terry Tamminen Vice President

Paul Novoa Treasurer

Ali Sahabi Secretary

Beau Bridges Director

Max Gail Director

Jan Ward-Olmstead Director

Angela Riley Director

40

CHUMASH WOMEN’S ELDERS COUNCIL Luhui (Georgiana) Sanchez

Chairwoman Barbareño Chumash, Tohono O’odham

Luhui Isha

Assistant to Chair Barbareño Chumash, Zacatecaño, Santa Clara River Turtle Clan

Sue Diaz

Barbareño Chumash, Tohono O’odham

Jan Ward Olmstead

Barbareño Chumash, Zacatecaño

Deborah Sanchez

Barbareño Chumash, Tohono O’odham

Nena Valenzuela

Ventureño Chumash, Santa Clara River Turtle Clan

Veronica Vasquez

Ventureño Chumash, Santa Clara River Turtle Clan

Mena Moreno

Pueblo, Mexica, Chumash

Martha Jaimes

Barbareño Chumash, Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation 41

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DONORS 2017-2018 Alene Spindel*

Carole Goldberg

Heather Henson

Kate Moxham

Melina Watts

Shea Jassem*

Alessandro Duranti

Cathy Chu

Jean Schmit

Katie Sole

Melinda Seller

Sherri Bell

Alexander Cogut

Charles Swift*

Jeni Reiz

Katrina schramm

Michael Masterman-Smith

Sherrilynn Diaz*

Alexandra Shabtai

Chito Betancourt

Jenna Kobara

Kei Moreno

Michael Nevarez*

Shiva Rea

Alison Eakin*

Christine Lightheart

Jennel Schlefstein

Kikanza Ramsey-Ray

Monica Gomez

Stacie Smith

Alissa Rose

Christopher Sproul

Jennifer Novak

Kirstin Logsdon

Naomi Gleit

Stacy Shymanksy

Amy Contreras

Dana Friedman

Jill Hoffman*

Kit Kirkish

Nicolas Emiliani

Susana Sheil

Anderson Illene*

Dave & Nicole

Jill Jacobson-Bennett*

Kori Cordero

Nicole Gregory

Sybil Grant*

Andy Shrader

Archambault

Jim Hensley

Kristen Ferguson

Nicole Robertson

Tanya Bycroft

Angie Foster*

David Zielski

Joanie Moshier*

Larry Prosor

Normandie DiCaprio

Tercia Capello*

Ann-Elise Lewallen

Deborah Sanchez*

John Bowen*

Laura Iacampo

Patricia Pagaling

Terri Bell

April Munoz*

Diane Martinez

John & Sarah Kobara

Loretta Allison*

Patricia Tuck

Tessa Hicks*

Baine Kerr

Douglas Flaker

John Murdock

Luisa Del Giudice

Paul Seeman*

Tim & Pat Malloy

Betty Sword*

Emma Zachmann

Julia Bogany

Lynn LaBelle

Phyllis Grifman

Tina Levitan

Brenda Mercado*

Frederick (Toby) & Anita

Julia Wasson*

Lynn Yamaoka

Rachel Boston

Trevor Pinho

Brittany Williams

Campion

Julianne Morin*

Margaret Ratterman

Rebecca Totman*

Tyler Kubota

Caitlin Wylde

George DiCaprio

Justin Valliere*

Marta Segura

Richard Baskin

Virginia Pollack

Cameron Stallones*

Gil Birmingham

Karen & Kirby Chung

Martha Jaimes

Rita Bouchard*

William & Kathleen Mudd

Candice Kim

Grace M. Pacheco

Karen Hellmuth

Maya Golden-Krasner

Ron Bottorf

Wynanda Jacoby*

Carlie Domingues*

Hannah Vainstein

Kate Austin

Maya Martinez-Dawkins

Sharon Shingai*

*Sustaining Members (recurring donors) 42

Optimum Group provides innovative development and construction management services

real estate

to public, private and nonprofit

development

organizations throughout California.

and

We strive for optimum results and

construction

we stand by our reputation of adding value to any project through experience, creativity

Services:

and economic success.

Build-to-Suit Master-Planned Communities

Contact us today to discuss your project.

Infill Development Brownfield Reclamation Renewable Energy

optimumgroupllc.com

626.470.6092

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

In the business of making memories since 1947 www.calamigos.com (818) 889-6280

44

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

45

FOUNDATION SUPPORT Baltoro Family Trust (Yvon Chouinard Family Trustees) California Community Foundation California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Ocean Science Trust Center for Biological Diversity Earthways Foundation Edison International Environment Now Global Mala Project Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives Impact Fund Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Marisla Foundation Metabolic Studio Norris Foundation Onaway Trust Patagonia & Great Pacific Ironworks Store Resources Legacy Fund Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment San Manuel Band of Mission Indians SIMA Environmental Fund Southern California Edison Native American Alliance 46

PROGRAM PARTNERS Apanish Foundation

Malibu Makos

Anahuacalmecac International University Preparatory

MERITO Foundation

Break Free from Plastic

NOAA

California Marine Sanctuary Foundation

Ocean Science Trust

California Native Plant Society

Pitzer College Native Youth to College Program

California State Parks Channel Coast District

Santa Barbara MPA Collaboration

Center for Biological Diversity

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Te Karu o te Ika Voyaging Trust

Chumash Maritime Association

UCANR California Naturalist Program

Clean Seas Coalition

UCLA Native Nations Law & Policy Center

Earthjustice

University of California - Los Angeles

Five Gyres Institute

University of California - Santa Barbara

Kashia Band of Pomo Indians

USC SeaGrant

Los Angeles County Beaches & Harbors

Waterkeeper Alliance

Los Angeles MPA Collaborative

Dr. Victoria Sork Lab, UCLA 47

48

IN APPRECIATION Outstanding Volunteers: Andre Loyola Andy Amaya Anthony Graham Aolani Sanchez Cathy Gulden Daniel Calderon Deborah Sanchez Debra Hopkins Desiree Sanchez Jameel Moy Joanna Sanchez Joe Liles Kori Cordero Lea Valenzuela Leslie Tamminen Linda Chilton Natalie Macam Nena Valenzuela Paul Novoa Sarah Moreno

Sharon Shingai Sarah Kobara Shiva Rea Tevin Schmitt Vilma Loaiza Violet Luxton Zachery Gaither Program Consultants: Aleqwel Mendoza Brian Thielman John Moreno Mena Moreno Mia Lopez Nicholas Hummingbird Pita Romero Ray Ward Soraya Hosni Sue Nakao Tima Lotah Link

Chumash Dancers: Aleqwel Mendoza Chito Betancourt Choi Slo David Dominguez Joaquin Betancourt John Moreno Mateo Betancourt Mati Waiya Matt Ward Red Star Media Partners: 27 Mile Films First Nations Experience INTV Australia Maya Jupiter NOAA Santa Barbara Wedding Films

Sam Cook Salina Manson Supaman & Jihan Annual Report Artwork: Joe Liles Photography: Ali Moradi Ayumi Nakamura Earthjustice Paul Novoa Santa Barbara Wedding Films Suzie Kaplan Tamarind Free Jones Wishtoyo Staff

49

MEMBERSHIP BECOME A WISHTOYO MEMBER

Qaši (Abalone) - $25 Yuxnuc (Hummingbird) - $50 Hew (Pelican) - $100 'Alolk'oy (Dolphin) - $500 Paxat (Whale) - $1,000

What is Wishtoyo Membership?

Members support the programs and growth of our organization, and enable us to support our communities in return. Your gift allows us to maintain and build Wishtoyo Chumash Village, educate youth, protect the environment, preserve Chumash culture and ways of life, and mobilize First Nations Peoples from a local to a global scale.

Most importantly, we want you to know that every dollar of your gift is appreciated. Generous foundation support has underwritten all of our overhead and operating costs so...

100% of your donation goes directly towards programs!

50

What is your impact?

We envision a world rooted in understanding and respect... respect for the First Peoples of the places we live, for the land, water, and air that we depend upon, and for all living and non-living beings that support our existence.

Together with your friendship and support, we will continue to lead the fight to create this vision, for ourselves and for future generations. By joining our membership program you can count yourself among a movement that is working to create a better, healthier, and more inclusive world for the human family.

Kiyaqinalin - Thank you!

• • •

ALL Members will receive access and/or discounts to Members-only events Membership levels $50+, including Sustaining Members, receive an exclusive Wishtoyo gift (changes annually) Native Nations community members receive discounted membership***

***See website for more details: www.wishtoyo.org/become-a-member

Make your gift today by visiting:

wishtoyo.networkforgood.com Or mail a check to: Wishtoyo Foundation 9452 Telephone Rd. #432 Ventura, CA 93004

For major gifts and inquiries, please contact: Luhui Isha, luhuiisha@wishtoyo.org No'no kiyaqĘ°inaliyuw!

51

WISHTOYO CHUMASH FOUNDATION 9452 Telephone Road #432 Ventura, CA 93004 805.323.7023 www.wishtoyo.org

Wishtoyo Foundation is a Native-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN: 95-4124859