Indigenous Cultures
The lands surrounding many national marine sanctuaries have been inhabited for millennia by seafaring indigenous peoples. Preserving and collaborating with indigenous cultures is a critical part of the mission of national marine sanctuaries: celebrating the great variety of human connections to the sea can help us all become better stewards of our ocean resources.
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In Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, native Hawaiian cultural traditions are recognized as crucial to the long-term health of Hawai‘i's ocean and humpback whales. Photos: Kate Thompson/NOAA
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Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan way of life, has tied the people of National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa to their natural world for centuries. Photo: NPS
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Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary works closely with the Quinault Indian Nation, the Hoh Tribe, the Quileute Tribe and the Makah Tribe (pictured) in areas of mutual interest. Photo: Kate Thompson/NOAA
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In Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, the Manchester Point Arena Band of Pomo Indians joined in celebrating the sanctuary's expansion in 2015. Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA