Photo: Robert Schwemmer, NOAA
The Ocean Access Project is a statewide effort to better understand how people connect to and experience the ocean across California. As part of this work, we are working with Tribal communities to better understand ocean connections, access, and experiences, including relationships to place, climate change, and coastal stewardship.
This youth art showcase is one way we are creating space to listen to and uplift the voices of Tribal youth, and to better understand their relationships — and their communities’ relationships — with the ocean.
This art showcase is co-led in partnership with Tribal community leaders, including Teresa Romero (Chumash), President of Native Coast Action Network and Director of Native Nations Engagement at Strategic Earth, and Coach Jackson (Nanticoke), Founder of Coastal Defenders.
We invite California’s Tribal youth in California to share artwork that reflects their relationship — or their community’s — with the ocean.
The ocean holds stories, memories, traditions, and connections that are passed down across generations. Through this showcase, we hope to create space for youth to share their voices, express what our ocean means to them, and contribute to a broader understanding of ocean access through lived experiences.
Who Can Participate
This showcase is open to youth (18 years or younger) from Tribal communities
in California.
We welcome youth who identify as part of a tribal community and who would like to share what the ocean means to them.
What Your Artwork Can Reflect
What is your relationship — or your community’s — with the ocean?
What do you value about spending time at the ocean?
What do you love about the ocean?
Your artwork can reflect:
There is no right or wrong way to share — this is your story with our ocean.
*All submissions are part of a shared community showcase. This is not a competition.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Once you have your artwork ready, please complete the submission form and submit your Artwork here.​
Important: Please complete this form together with a parent or guardian,
as they will need to sign the consent form included.
The form will ask for:​
-
Participant information
-
Parent/guardian contact
-
Consent and permissions
-
Upload your artwork (up to 3 files)
If you prefer, you can also share your artwork directly with Coach Jackson.
For this option, please contact her at: coach@coastaldefenders.org
Submission Deadline: April 22, 2026
Artwork Guidelines
To help us showcase your work clearly, please:
​
-
Upload your artwork as JPG or PNG using the link you will receive after submitting your form
-
Keep file size under 10 MB
-
Please use a clear, well-lit image​
-
File name format: firstname_lastname_age
-
Example: maya_garcia_14
Reciprocity & Respect
This project is grounded in listening, respect, and reciprocity. We recognize that the stories, knowledge, and connections shared through this artwork are meaningful. We are committed to honoring them by sharing them with care and respect.
With your permission*, artwork may be:
-
Shared with community members and elders
-
Included in focus groups and community conversations
-
Featured in outreach and presentations
-
Included in reports about Tribal ocean access which will be written for the state
-
Displayed on our website and flyers
-
Shared on social media
You will be able to choose your level of permission in the submission form.
ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR:
2 TICKETS TO AN AQUARIUM
(e.g., Birch Aquarium)
The selected participant will be announced on May 1.
