Violet Sage Walker, Chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC), is the nominator of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Her leadership carries on the legacy of her late father, tribal Chief Fred Collins, and reflects her deep commitment to protecting the natural resources, culture, and ancestors of her people. With 35 years in cultural resource management and over a decade advocating for the marine sanctuary, Violet combines her expertise in collaborative management, social justice, and equity. She is a passionate environmental advocate, having been an avid diver since age 12 and a Divemaster at 18, and she continues her work in marine conservation on California’s Central Coast. Violet also runs a local business as an artisan beekeeper, soap and candle maker, and herbalist. Her dedication to community is evident through her service as a 2018 Emerge CA graduate and elected delegate for the California State Party ADEM Progressive Democrats. Violet’s connection to the Chumash land and sea, from the mountains to the ocean, reflects her intertwined relationship with her heritage and commitment to being a good steward of the earth.