1978-1979: Occupation of Pt. Conception (Humqaq)

In the 1978, Coastal Band, activists, and other tribal people from across the country occupied the sacred sight of Humqaq (meaning “Where The Raven Comes”) at Point Conception along the Gaviota Coast to protest a proposed liquefied natural gas plant. The nine-month occupation successfully delayed Western LNG's project, which had been fast-tracked during California's energy crisis. These delays allowed time for economic conditions to change and safety concerns to emerge, ultimately causing PG&E to withdraw by 1980. Called the Western Gate, Humqaq is one of the most sacred sites in Chumash territory, a point of passage for souls on their journey to the other side. 

Coastal Band member Michael Khus-Zarate wrote an article in 1998 based on interviews with Coastal Band members who had occupied Pt. Conception: Pilulaw Khus, John Ruiz, Kote Lotah, Wansak, and many others.

Audio permission for “The Story of Humqaq” provided by the Chumash Maritime Association as part of the Syuxtun Story Circle project—in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Arts Commission.