Wishtoyo Foundation

Wishtoyo Foundation, a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1997 by Executive Director and Chumash Ceremonial Elder, Mati Waiya. “Wishtoyo” is the Chumash word for “rainbow” - as such, Wishtoyo serves as a “rainbow bridge” linking Chumash and First Nations culture, history, and lifeways to present day protection of natural and cultural resources. Wishtoyo’s integrated cultural-environmental approach enhances the wellbeing of communities through education, outreach, restoration, advocacy, monitoring, and legal action, bringing spiritual, cultural, and environmental tools together to foster respectful relationships between all living and non-living beings. Programs: Ventura Coastkeeper, 54th member of the International Waterkeeper Alliance First Nations Ecological Conservation Alliance (FNECA) Chumash Tribal Marine Protected Areas education programs First Nations Youth Summer Field Studies California Naturalist certification course To visit Wishtoyo Chumash Village, our 4-acre facility in Malibu, CA built at an old village site, please schedule a private appointment on our website: