Our Vision For the Future
Our Vision For the Future of The SPACE……
Imagine with me, sitting at a table surrounded by friends, family and community. The sounds of talking, Laughter, music, or an Elder or little baby. You sit, painting? Making jewelry? Carving stone? Weaving? Singing a new song? What is it that comes to your mind? Whatever that is, that is what we hope to cultivate. A SPACE for Chumash and other indigenous people in Santa Barbara to come together, share culture, arts, and educate ourselves and the community at large.
Beginning with small “boutique” size workshops of 10-15 participants, we will share knowledge of traditional ways and how we have carried them with us into the present day. We are here today, we have access to different resources, and just like all cultures, we evolve, holding onto the values, and spirits of our Ancestors.
Moving into the Fall, we will hold SPACE to “educate the educators”. We have started building an Association of Cultural Educators who will be available to provide Chumash Cultural Education to classrooms within the Tri-Counties area. There will be opportunities to schedule student field trips to The SPACE for teachers to bring their classrooms to our SPACE for an immersive educational experience with Chumash community members. We consider these two options as a “First Step” and encourage teachers to take the “Second Step” by scheduling a visit to the Wishtoyo Chumash Village to deepen and strengthen their students understanding of Chumash Culture, Travel, Protection and Society. Initially our programs will be offered on the weekends, and as we move into the Summer, we will be hosting several opportunities to participate in multi-day workshops.
We will also host directed workshops specifically for our Chumash Community Members which will include: Traditional Plant Knowledge, Storytelling, Language classes, Leadership building, Understanding the Laws and regulations that impact our lands, waters and communities, Public Speaking, and much more!
Finally, we will host an “Artisans Area” within the SPACE to support local artisans in displaying and selling their creations. From time to time, we will host Indigenous Markets and the amazing artists will also provide pop up workshops with us throughout the year.
Some workshops or educational events will also include visits to different areas throughout the Tri-counties area to discuss environmental protection, restoration and impacts to our Mother Earth.
We hope to expand and include SPACE to host all tribal groups to have a dedicated conference room, meeting area or community gathering SPACE. A place for all of us to come together and have a dedicated Cultural SPACE that is a hub for our community to be found and supported.
The vision is ever expanding and we hope and dream that this will be remembered as the spark that started our very own Chumash Cultural Center, School and Exhibit SPACE!
Come be a part of the SPACE, there’s room for everyone!
