Sophia Uribe, Depth at Catalina (Pimu) Island Scuba with Reef Check

This week-long process was a great challenge and very fulfilling. We prepared before through the scuba e-learning but little did we know about what true beauty was gonna come out of being underwater. The first two days were HARD! Learning a brand new skill can be very intimidating and overwhelming, so much self-doubt and criticism floods the mind when we exit our comfort zone. Carrying those extra 80 lbs of gear up and down the stairs, being nervous about my ears equalizing, swallowing so much saltwater struggling to put on my fins or to stay afloat - these were all just a taste of what we experienced. By the third day, there was such a smooth, fluid movement within our practice and skill demonstration as a group, it was amazing to feel that moment of progress and accomplishment with the group. 

There were even moments of immense emotion, on day 3 during our last open water dive before becoming scuba certified, my right ear couldn't equalize past 10 feet. My buddy Josh and I, along with Scuba Steve tried about 5-6 times to descend but my ear was not cooperating. I was getting so angry and frustrated with my body not allowing me to finish this last portion of the training. I felt even worse because not only was my ear holding me back, it was also holding back Josh from getting this final dive done. Even though I struggled with this and got very overwhelmed with negative emotions, it was awesome to have such a reliable, positive support system from Josh and our instructors. We swam back to shore and watched the rest of the group ascend and accomplish their certification. Barbara got the update on what happened and took us back into the water but suggested that we descend from shore, so I covered in tears and boogers, I cleared my system, put my mask back on, and was able to descend down to the 25 ft need for our last open water dive. This is probably one of the most special dives because it was just the three of us and barbara took us to into the reef, where we were swimming through and were surrounded 360 degrees by a reef - by an abundance of life. 

The other emotional moment was when we circled up on the ocean floor, under the full moon, and turned off our flashlights. There was magic and energy work flowing between the movement and momentum we created with our hands from the bioluminescent phytoplankton! At that moment, Josh tapped me and told me to look up and what we saw felt like it was in slow-mo. Just basking in the moonlight glistening over the open ocean - pure magic! That was a moment of the immense rush of emotions when you feel that connection between time, I felt the energy of my ancestors from the moonlight interconnect with the accomplishment of being able to experience the phytoplankton in the way that we did - I was screaming underwater with just pure joy. 

Lastly, what surprised me the most was how interactive the creatures underwater were. During the night dive we saw tons of lobster and horn sharks, they were simply there observing our group and totally chill with us being near them. Even during the shipwreck dive, I had a school of fish surround me while exploring the ship - so amazing to be so welcomed into their environment.  

Sophia Paddling at Sunrise provides an extra Special Moment. Photo: John Suhar

The most amazing thing for me was just fully immersing myself in the energy of the ocean. Wake up before sunrise each day to bask in the beauty of watching the sunrise over the ocean, starting my morning in reflection. And continuing our day of learning, activity, and new experiences. Being underwater, without speech, continual proctoring of our wellbeing and safety, and understanding the essence of the underwater world was a very impactful experience. 

Being on the island with such a deep-rooted community was amazing, I learned so much from all the stories, songs, and sharing of experiences. 

On the last day before the boat arrived, I gave myself time to sit in the place that we learned our scuba skills. I was accompanied by a crane that I've been seeing throughout the week, moments like these - being in nature with an animal - I truly feel my dad's presence very strong. This was a great moment of reflection, intention setting, and gratitude for being blessed with such an amazing week surrounded by phenomenal people and life-changing experiences. 

This experience is one I’ve been praying for and it came in perfect timing. I’ve been wanting to get scuba certified for the last 4 years and I’ve recently been diving more into the knowledge of my roots so to have the balance of scuba education and cultural education was phenomenal. With my aspirations of going into the field of biomimicry, I truly believe it's gonna start in the ocean. There is so much to learn from the ocean, down to the cellular level and I feel that this scuba certification is just the beginning of me exploring that world to further my passions, aspirations, and goals! I plan on continuing my certifications with Malibu Divers to eventually become scientific research diving certified. But with that, I want to balance the cultural aspect of it as well because that can further the teachings the oceans and water have to offer. Being able to utilize the scientific aspects for innovation and design, as well as, the traditional practices and understanding of how to interact with the ocean and all that it has to offer.  

 

Josh Cocker, from Chumash to New Zealand to Catalina Island (Pimu) Scuba Experience

One of my favorite parts of this experience was gaining an added measure of peace in the ocean. It was awesome to be introduced to the sea floor in such a new way! It was also super cool to feel the waves in a new way as well. The information about the ecosystems and general safety with diving helped ground our experience through genuine risk assessment and risk identification. After we knew and understood the genuine difference between perceived and real risk through lived experience we could explore bravely. It really was a way to learn how the ocean has loved us more than I knew and how I can reciprocate that love too. Definitely a greater sense of belonging in the water over all. This adventure has definitely inspired me to get my family involved with diving. Also I am pretty stoked for the opportunity to get certified with reef check. 

Sunshine Gumbs, from Shinnecock Reservation (Long Island NY) to the Pacific Ocean Floor

    This trip has been another life changing experience that I can add to my journey of growth in life. I have gained knowledge of these Pacific waters and have such respect for the lessons gained from spending time in it. Scuba diving was awesome to do again and be refreshed in all the necessary lessons that come with it. I feel stronger physically and mentally and I challenged myself to push through this, so I am grateful for all that was gained from this that has added to my well being.

    The most amazing part to me was seeing all the beautiful life under water. Actually seeing abalone  and the beautiful shells and rocks of the west coast was just breathtaking and such good medicine. The landscape was absolutely beautiful and it was nice not having service, being disconnected from technology and just absorbing the good medicines of mother nature and the good vibes and energy of connecting and meeting new people.

   This experience was truly amazing and life changing. I have never been to the west coast so I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment I arrived it has been nothing but good energy and knowledge gained. I hope to encourage more people, especially our young people to go out into the world and experience all things that add to your life in a good way. Don’t hold back from those things that may seem uncomfortable or foreign, but step into every experience with a positive mind and spirit. We are strengthened through the experiences we go through in life, and if you can add to someone else’s life by leaving an impact on them in a positive way, then we are sharing the medicine we carry and we can all learn to heal this world and heal each other!

Sunshine Gumbs

David Streamer, Mountain Reservation to Ocean Floor Scuba Dives

Daniel Streamer

Los Coyotes: Band of Cahuilla & Cupeńo Indians

Coming into this event, I did not have many expectations. I knew a few things about what

I wanted from this trip. I wanted to take time to practice my wellness and learn something new.

To my pleasure, I received more than I could have imagined. This fellowship trip to Pimu

brought me the opportunity to learn everyday without judgement, take time for self care, and

connect to indigenous communities around the world.

First and foremost, I became certified in scuba diving. The process of certification is an

absolute learning experience. I felt that I was earning special skills only used by rich folks,

western scientists, and special forces military. I felt enlightened to learn that a vast community of

scuba divers exists. I can now feel more confident knowing I learned a skill that can bring me

personal satisfaction, community preservation, environmental conservation, and employment

opportunities. Beyond scuba diving, I also had the opportunity to learn indigenous knowledge, a

leading value in my life. We all talked about the sun, moon, stars, ocean, rocks, and animals. I

felt happy and my heart was full to be reminded of the beauty in all life and creation. I learned

more than I have the words for, but I can say I enjoyed all that I learned.

I felt encouraged and safe to take time for myself. I woke up to watch the sunrise for

several days without feeling rushed by outside pressure. During this time I also found myself

increasing my movement with walking and jogging. I felt I was moving because I was happy, not

because I was preparing for hardship. I really enjoyed how much movement I was able to do

throughout the trip. I also got a break from cooking and could be more conscious of how I eat

and when I eat. I really enjoyed taking time for myself and I feel good to be happy.

I often find it hard to endure long periods of social interaction beyond my community, but

I felt at home for all of my time in Pimu. My peers and mentors are all selfless and engage in

community work. I was able to ask questions and listen to stories that I cannot access in

everyday life. I was invited to see different communities around the world. I felt valued as a

guest and valued as a community host. I enjoyed speaking with everyone and they all shared a

piece of medicine that helped me to feel better. I felt a connection beyond my community and

hope for the future.

My favorite thing was going through this experience and learning process. I felt that I

gained a perspective that increases my success and opportunity. I feel safer being in the ocean

and safer being indigenous. I left feeling happy, confident, and humble.