Society & Culture
Nakia Zavalla can trace her Chumash heritage back to at least six generations. She grew up on the Chumash reservation and learned about Chumash traditions from her grandmother and her parents. As Cultural Director for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, today Nakia teaches the Samala language and Chumash culture to both the tribe and the Santa Ynez Valley Community.In our conversation, we discuss her family’s history, her experiences growing up on the reservation, her mission and life’s work to preserve and teach the Samala language and Chumash culture, the challenges she’s faced and overcome along the way, and her vision for the future of her people.For more information, please visit: Chumash website.Also mentioned in this episode: Chumash Culture Day, Maria Solares, John Peabody Harrington Papers, Family School, Unity Rally for Inclusion.Solvang Spice Merchant is featured in Small Business Spotlight.