Cheryl Martin-Perez

Cheryl Martin-Perez has served as Board Secretary at the Chumash Indian Museum since 2023. She has also been a Senator for the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI) for seven years. With the FTBMI, Cheryl proudly established the Pukuu Austin James Memorial Scholarship on behalf of her late son, which awards educational scholarships to Native American college students.

In Cheryl’s own words: “The Chumash Indian Museum has been a part of my life since the day it opened. We have 4 generations of family history here, remaining actively involved with repatriations and housing of artifacts along with many Pow Wows and other community events and programs. I helped in rebuilding the museum’s Ap (a replica of a traditional Chumash house) after the originals were destroyed by the Woolsey fire in 2018. Educating the youth is very important to me in keeping the Chumash traditions alive. Pow Wows are also very dear to my heart and I have enjoyed serving on many committees to orchestrate such gatherings. I love my Chumash/ Tataviam Culture and Heritage and I proudly extend myself wherever I’m needed in the community.”