Su'nan Protection, Art & Cultural Education

Su'nan means, "to continue" in the Šmuwič Chumash dialect, one of several Chumash languages.

The letters spell out SPACE

Without even realizing it, the letters of the name spell out what I believe we all need. SPACE.

A space of our own, to gather whenever we would like.
A space to do our crafts and arts. A space where we are safe and not going to be rushed out.

A space to just be.....

Our Goal: Our mission is to preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich indigenous culture of the Chumash people while safeguarding our tribal lands, waters, and environment. Through cultural education, arts, training, and tribal environmental protection initiatives, we prioritize the empowerment of our indigenous Chumash population. We strive to inform and educate both the local indigenous community and the surrounding communities, fostering an understanding and appreciation for the history, traditions, and craftsmanship of our people. By sharing traditional crafting skills, harvesting plants sustainably, and embracing our indigenous perspective, we aim to build capacity and resilience within our community. Moreover, we seek to equip our youth with the knowledge, confidence, and passion to protect and advocate for our territories, culture, and future generations, ensuring a legacy of strength and stewardship.

The Heart of the SPACE:

At the heart of the SPACE lies a powerful cultural value – Community.

This holds profound significance for the Chumash people, as we have been scattered and divided by colonization and missionization. Our communities need to heal, and in order to do this, we need a space dedicated to our people, where all Chumash participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, talents, and stories, preserving the many traditions that are deeply woven into the fabric of our identities.

Engagement: Recognizing the diversity of Tribal groups within the community, outreach will be extended through email, Tribal group contact, and social media. While our emphasis on one-on-one interaction limits session sizes, it ensures the ability to create smaller groups of trust and bonding. Creating a safe SPACE for sharing, listening and supporting. We will also partner with other organizations to provide educational opportunities and support for any other programs the community may request.

Sustaining Tradition: Challenges posed by access limitations and resource scarcity is apparent to all of us. To address this, we plan to procure necessary supplies when needed and explore supporting our Native-owned sellers whenever possible, ensuring the sustainability of this vital cultural endeavor. We will engage our Elders by hosting Elders luncheons to show them what we have accomplished and to ask what else they would like to see happen for our community and to support them

Culmination & Celebration: After each session or workshop of artistic and cultural exploration and immersion, we will showcase our deeply personal creations. Each individual will be encouraged to share their personal journey while crafting and discuss how this experience has impacted them. We are committed to building public speaking skills and fostering confidence to ensure that every voice is heard. We anticipate coming together several times throughout the year to celebrate and display the outstanding creations and accomplishments of the Chumash people and all participants involved.

Your Support Matters: Your donation is not just a contribution; it's an investment in preserving and prioritizing the Cultural Heritage of the Chumash and other Indigenous communities in Santa Barbara, as well as all our extended community here today.

Join us on this journey to make our cultures visible, valued, and celebrated once again.

Donate today and be a part of our mission to celebrate, educate, and empower the Indigenous voices of Santa Barbara.

Thank you for your generosity and belief in our cause. Together, we can keep the fires of tradition burning brightly in our hearts for generations to come.

The SPACE

by Su'nan Protection Art & Cultural Education