Welcome - Haku!
The Chumash Maritime Association is a 501(c)3 founded in 1996 and is committed to strengthening the dignity and identity of Chumash people of all ages by reclaiming our maritime culture through practical knowledge of our homeland in all its elements. We are the builders and caretakers of the ‘Elye’wun, our community’s Tomol (traditional plank canoe). Our central focus continues to be building, maintaining, and crewing our traditional Chumash Tomols. Other projects and programs are also rooted in our traditions such as native plant restoration, harvesting for material culture, songs, storytelling, educational outreach, public art, youth camps and hosting gatherings to strengthen our community.
Chumash Tomol Journeys
A tomol is the traditional lashed plank canoe of the Chumash Native Americans who navigate the Central and Southern California coast and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. In the past, tomols facilitated extensive trade routes connecting the many watersheds with the ancient highways of the ocean.
