Your journey, our dedication
At Tribal Sacred Waters, Inc., we offer dedicated assistance rooted in trust and appreciation, helping you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. Discover how our unique approach, deeply connected to our Native American heritage and the ocean, sets us apart.
Our dedicated assistance
We provide specialized support designed to empower you, drawing upon our deep connection to the ocean and centuries of wisdom. Our services are crafted to meet your specific needs with a spirit of honor and appreciation.
Founder-CEO
Lisa Sherman, an enrolled member of the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel , is deeply passionate about Earth, conservation, and biodiversity. My journey to this point has been profoundly influenced by the healing power of nature. Moving to the reservation, I faced challenges with my mental health, often feeling I didn't belong—questioning my identity and self-worth. However, the ocean became my sanctuary, providing peace and healing through grief and loss.
I am committed to supporting various initiatives, including those focused on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP, Ca History, substances abuse, domestic violence, suicide, and empowering our youth. I believe in learning from our ancestors' wisdom and giving back to our veterans. Being part of a community that has faced the repercussions of genocide fills me with honor, and I strive to ensure our voices are heard.
I aspire to partner with county, state, federal, and local authorities to enhance collaboration. We all share this world and must unite to achieve common goals. My aim isn’t competition but rather to uplift the resources available to our underserved community, ensuring our children receive the support they need for a brighter future.
As a mother of three sons and a grandmother to three granddaughters, I cherish family. I am engaged to the incredible Marcell and have a stepson (Kyler) . I'm a Peon player, bird dancer and enjoyed lobster hooping. I, feel grateful for this life and am dedicated to giving back to my community.
MPA consultant
Based in San Diego County, Joe has dedicated his life to recreation and work along California's coast. His expertise in local waters, fishing, and underwater remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) has significantly aided WILDCOAST in managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the region. Joe's key contributions include conducting boat-based surveys to support MPA enforcement, utilizing ROVs for community outreach, and providing consulting services for water-based programs. A WILDCOAST volunteer since 2014, he has been instrumental in advancing local MPA management as part of the San Diego County MPA Collaborative. Previously, Joe coordinated mountain lion tracking for a UC Berkeley study. When not on his boat or ROV, he enjoys fishing, surfing, and backcountry exploring.
Mechanical and engine advisory
Marcell Cagey holds a multifunction commercial fishing license and is the co-founder of Tribal Sacred Waters Inc. He graduated with an associate degree in applied science and has been influenced by his father from the Lummi Nation in his journey. Marcell is deeply passionate about the ocean and has gained most of his fishing experience through the experiences learned along the way. Currently, he is active in fishing along the California coast and is dedicated to restoring fishing rights for his community. He is passionate about teaching others who wish to learn and possesses a remarkable talent for building boats, fixing engines, and crafting his own fishing gear, including buoys and fishing pots. He is an enrolled member of Pala Band of Mission Indians, dad, grandpa, engaged and loved by his family.
Equipment advisory
Dave is the owner of Kraken Supply Company, located in Temecula, Ca and he is incredibly knowledgeable about buying equipment. With his experience in international trade, he understands what works and what doesn’t. He is our go-to supplier for all our fishing and marine product needs, and we are fortunate to have him as an advisor in this area. Currently, he is featured in Turners Outdoors and other high-end fisheries, but he’s also willing to share his expertise in fishing, particularly in preparing and catching fish.
Matthew Teutimez
Executive Director, Biologist
Matthew is the Executive Director and Lead Scientist for LINKS. Matthew holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Biology from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and has been a visiting scholar at the University of Southern California (USC). Matthew is a specialist in ethnobotanical and cultural uses of native plants and animals including the pre-historic distributions of natural resources throughout the ancestral territory of the Kizh - Gabrieleño Tribe. Mr. Teutimez is the Biologist and Director of Resources for the Tribe where he contributes his expertise in environmental stewardship and resource management. He has been designated by his Tribe to possess and share Kizh-Gabrieleño cultural knowledge and practices taught to him by Chief Ernie P. Salas Teutimez and other Elders of the Tribe. Matthew is also the founder and executive director of an indigenous non-profit known as the Laboratory for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, which was created to integrate and apply indigenous knowledge and techniques into environmental stewardship,
Family
The sponsorship partnership collaboration and engagement efforts have been significant, highlighting the challenges and complexities of working with various affiliates. The focus is on expressing gratitude towards those partners that have maintained good relations throughout the journey, acknowledging their vital role in the organization's success
Experience unparalleled trust
What makes our dedicated assistance special? It's the foundation of trust we build with every individual, combined with the honor and appreciation we extend. As Native Americans, our connection to the ocean since time immemorial guides our commitment to your success.