Grow and Learn: Chumash Elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie Explains How the Chumash Use Acorns
On Saturday February 14th, those of us who were fortunate enough to attend the OVGC Site Tour of the City Hall property were treated to an extra bonus, having Chumash elder Julie Tumamait - Stenslie on the tour as well. Julie is a gifted storyteller and wisdom keeper who speaks with light in her voice and humor.
We stood in the dappled sun and shade under and amongst the coast live oaks. The creek was running next to us while birds and other critters all around were doing their thing: scurrying, flying, digging. Julie told us about acorns, how the Chumash collected them, prepared them and used them for food and medicine. It was clear that telling these stories brought joy to Julie, but also to the Site Tour participants who drew closer and closer to her. Julie’s voice and the sounds of nature were all that we could hear. The words “being present” came to mind. The stories were captivating and delightful to be sure, but on a deeper level, we learned about the connection that she and the Chumash have to the land, the plants, and animals.
Be on the lookout for future opportunities to walk the 8-acre campus alongside Julie as she takes you on a journey woven with the past, the present, and future. Listen to water running, birds singing, and wind blowing through the trees as you connect more deeply with the native plants and animals through Chumash stories and wisdom.
