hi ho’ stoqošlóq’ hi xus-Chumash Bear Circle

Join us next Wednesday, February 25 at 5:00pm to watch two films exploring Landback and restoration in what is now called Santa Barbara and a Q&A to follow.🐻

RSVP with the QR code!

Our Elder Ernestine Ygnacio De Soto started her journey to the upper world. We are asking if anyone has the capacity to please donate to help Ernestine’s family with the financial hardship of funeral services. All donations will go towards Ernestine’s services with full transparency.
qilik šaš k’e kaqʰinaš

eneq wot Ernestine Ygnacio DeSoto has started her journey to šimilaqša. Ernestine was a basket weaver, historian, and speaker of the kaswa’ Chumash language, leaving behind a legacy of immense strength, the strength of a California Indian (kaswa’) woman. Daughter of Mary Yee, the last fluent first language speaker of the entire Chumash community, she dedicated her time to teaching, guiding, and inspiring younger generations the language to ensure its survival.

A fierce advocate for the protection of the land, animals, Indigenous women and two spirit, Ernestine brought a voice of unwavering strength and millennia of knowledge to every meeting and conversation. We will continue to keep her legacy alive and honor her spirit. Let this also serve as a reminder to check in on your elders, spend time with them while honoring their stories, and persist in the fight for justice.

Honoring culture, histories, and sovereignty. This 2025, we commit to educating, honoring, and recognizing the rich histories and ongoing contributions of Native peoples.
Join us in building respect for the original caretakers of the land.
Link in bio to learn and donate.

🐻Adventure into history!🐻

You’re invited to taya’nan xus: Chumash Bear Walk, a collaboration between hi ho’ stoqošóq hi xus and Ventura Land Trust on Saturday, November 16th. From 9-11 AM, explore Harmon Canyon Preserve and learn about Chumash ethnobotany and the historical background of this area.
This is a can’t miss event for history buffs, plant lovers, and anyone curious about the rich cultural heritage of our region.
Registration is required and spaces are limited. Tap the link in our bio (under “VLT Events”) to sign up today!

Join us alongside the environmental defense center this Saturday for a creek clean up! Remember to bring water, closed-toed shoes, a hat and some friends!

Join us for a powerful afternoon of live music and storytelling at The Marjorie Luke Theatre. Enjoy an original musical performance by acclaimed local composer and filmmaker Cody Westheimer and friends.This captivating film tells the true story of a passionate, community-led movement that successfully protected 100 acres of the West Mesa of the San Marcos Foothills from development. Witness how ordinary citizens came together to defend a cherished natural space-and won!!!!

Join us in a preview of our emotional journey to
save land and protect our animal relatives

What does it mean to keep a place both scenic and wild? For Native communities, it’s a sacred obligation. hi ho’ stoqošlóq hi xus had a great time tabling and discussing this at Scenic and Wild Film Festival!

Honoring Chumash heritage through the sweet taste of tradition🌿💜

Our elderberry gathering brought the community together to laugh, share stories, and support our members while drinking homemade elderberry lemonade and elderberry shortcakes. Reclaiming the wisdom of our ancestors one elderberry at a time.🐚

As we close out Black History Month, we honor the resilience, triumphs, and enduring legacy of the Black community. From the struggles to the successes, your stories have shaped history and continue to inspire change. We also uplift and recognize our Afro-Indigenous brothers and sisters, whose roots and contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of our collective journey. Together, we celebrate, reflect, and commit to building a future rooted in justice, equality, and unity. 🖤💚❤️