Tipey Joa joined Climate Science Alliance and the Collaborative for Native Nations for Climate Transformation and Stewardship (CNNCTS) along with representatives from the Native Coast Action Network, Acjachemen Tongva Land Conservancy, National Park Service, Native American Land Conservancy, and San Diego State University on the Chumash sacred homelands of Limuw, also known as the Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands Nation Park.

The purpose of this journey was to strengthen connections with other organizations and Tribal Nations, and learn about the land and it’s connection within Chumash history and use.

City Gallery at San Diego City College, hosted and exhibition showcasing the history of Kumeyaay design, history, and culture from the both sides of the California/Mexico border. The exhibition highlights the knowledge and perspective of the Kumeyaay Nation and their connection to the regions. The gallery provided and opportunity to showcase beautiful basketry make by Gloria Alejandra Montes Crosthwaite and host bird singers from San Jose De La Zorra in Baja.

Included in the exhibition was also an arts event spanning over several days that included workshops on basket making, Kumeyaay language, painting, film screenings, pottery making, Kumeyaay comic, and Kumeyaay games.

Our annual Indigenous youth camp (Ha Silj) partners each year with Native Like Water, a non-profit that “curates outdoor experiences through an Indigenous lens”. Indigenous youth from the U.S. side and Baja are amongst the attendees. While in camp they learn the relationship and history of the ocean and land, cultural songs and stories, surfing, Tule boat making amongst other crafts.

This trip is a very important experience because many attendees do not have the resources to visit these areas. The opportunity gives them a broader understanding of their culture, teaches them how to work with others, and allows them to build friendships.

With our partners from Climate Science Alliance, and the Natural Reserve System from University of California, Hear our Names was born.

Indigenous voices are vital in protecting the planet from the effects of climate change. The Kumeyaay people have been in this region since time immemorial. Their stories come from the land, animals, and plants of the region. This project focused on integrating Kumeyaay knowledge of the plants and their traditional names to create interactive signage throughout Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Preserve. The signage allows people to scan a QR code to listen the the Kumeyaay name of the plant. Click the link to listen to the names on the Climate Science Alliance website. Artwork for the signage was done by Audrey Carver.

In partnership with Climate Science Alliance, Living Coast Discovery Center, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Chiipam Hap is an event open to the public and celebrates Spring at the Sweewater Marsh and teaches the history of the land in that particular area.

The event offers attendees an opportunity to participate in plant restoration efforts, clay pot making, basket weaving demonstrations, and listen to the interactive signage to learn the Kumeyaay names for the native plant species.

We are proud to attend the National Tribal Indigenous Climate conference along in Alaska, with many other Tribal Nations to engage in meaningful conversations about the effects of climate and how it impacts our communities and the natural environment. Attendees share traditional knowledge, songs, games, and discussed our shared responsibility to care for mother earth.

The event was organized by The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.