Julie Tumamait-Stenslie

Julie was born in Ventura but raised in Ojai Valley. She is the youngest of seven children. She is the daughter of Vincent Tumamait and Lucy Castro Tumamait. Her Chumash Heritage comes from her father, and her mother's family comes from Guanajuato, Mexico.

Her love of animals and nature comes from growing up along the Ventura Watershed, the river bottom, as it’s referred to. From a very young age, Julie was aware of her Chumash Heritage but didn’t quite know where to learn more. The family can trace its Heritage back to eight Generations.

For the past 40 years, Julie has been sharing the knowledge she has gained through many paths, such as family ancestral stories, archaeology, ethnobotany, storytelling, music and art. She is a Spiritual guide engaging with many people in ceremonies.

Julie is the former chair of the Native Group, which she started in 2002. The Barbareno/Ventureno Band of Mission Indians. She served as a commissioner of the Native American Heritage Commission for 15 years. Julie serves on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Ventura County and the Ojai Valley Museum. The abundance of knowledge regarding the Chumash culture has given Julie many opportunities to be of service whenever it calls.