qʰamosʼ wehke in Kashia Territory

In this program Noyo Center and Sea Otter Savvy presented a special Sea Otter Awareness Week We Were Here sea otter event featuring the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians.

In this presentation you will hear information about the Kashia Pomo people’s history and cultural relationships with sea otters. We will discuss the impact of the Russian and American Fur Trade on the sea otter population in Kashia territory, and the lasting impact of the lack of coastal access on the Kashia community. We will also delve into the current, ongoing projects that collectively support sea otter reintroduction including abalone aquaculture, sea urchin removal, 3D tidal monitoring, and scuba diving/kelp recovery. The Kashia people have a deep connection to the ocean, restoring tribal communities access to their land benefits not only the tribes, but the natural environment and resources surrounding us all.