Bridging Land, Culture, and Community at UCSB

At UC Santa Barbara, we are involved in a range of cultural and environmental efforts that strengthen connections to the land and Native community.

We take part in the annual American Indian & Indigenous Gardens Alliance Harvest Dinner, a celebration of Indigenous identity and tradition led by the American Indian & Indigenous Student Association. Each year, we help shape the event by bringing Chumash culture to the forefront—inviting elders, sharing traditional songs, and offering cultural guidance that honors our community and strengthens connections across generations. We also serve as a liaison between the American Indian & Indigenous Gardens Alliance and the local Chumash community, helping to build relationships and foster student engagement.

Coastal Band also contributes to the North Campus Open Space restoration project, offering consultation to ensure Chumash cultural values are reflected in land stewardship.

Through these efforts, we help bridge campus initiatives with the leadership and lived experience of local Indigenous people.