The California Habitat for Indigenous Arts (CHIA) is leading a Chumash-led marine science and stewardship program in partnership with Stanford University’s Palumbi Lab and the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. The project provides culturally grounded coastal education through eDNA kayak water sampling, field-based training, and laboratory instruction. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary marine science, the program builds Tribal capacity, expands community access, and supports long-term Indigenous stewardship of California’s coastal and marine environments.

 

Chumash Marine Stewardship & Science Leadership Program is a tribally led, community-based marine science training initiative designed to build scientific capacity within the Chumash community while advancing stewardship of culturally and ecologically significant marine environments. Rooted in Chumash traditional knowledge and values of care for landand sea, the program introduces participants to environmental DNA (eDNA) as a non-invasive, cutting-edge tool for monitoring marine biodiversity, ecosystem health, and climate impacts within the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and adjacent coastal waters.The program combines classroom instruction, field-based training, and applied research experiences.

 

Participants will be trained in standardized eDNA sampling protocols, including site selection, water collection, contamination prevention, data documentation, and sample handling. Instruction will also cover marine ecology, species relationships, climate stressors, and the cultural significance of marine species and habitats. Scientific partners—including the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, Stanford University’s Palumbi Lab, and NOAA—will contribute technical expertise, curriculum support, and mentorship, ensuring participants gain practical skills aligned with contemporary marine science standards while remaining grounded in Indigenousstewardship perspectives.

 

Through this program, Chumash community members will develop pathways into marine science, conservation, and environmental careers, while generating high-quality data that supports sanctuary management, biodiversity monitoring, and climate resilience efforts. Program outputs include trained community scientists, co-authored educational and reporting materials, and a replicable model for Indigenous-led marine research. The eDNA Water Sampling Program strengthens tribal sovereignty in marine stewardship by positioning Chumash knowledge holders and emerging scientists as active contributors to regional conservation science and long-term ocean health.