Declaration of Sovereignty
From time immemorial the Chumash peoples have possessed an inherent sovereignty. The Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians (BVBMI) is a self-governing band of Chumash peoples comprised of members from Barbareño, Ventureño, and Island Chumash territories. The BVBMI lives in its unceded ancestral homelands and continues as a culturally distinct group of people with a shared ancestry. Although not federally recognized, the BVBMI exercise its sovereignty as an independent Chumash nation.
Executive Tribal Council
Julie Tumamait-Stenslie
Tribal Chair
