Amythest Faria
Amythest Faria is a regenerative farmer, herbalist, educator, mother and grandmother. Born in Berkeley and raised off grid in the mountains and valleys of the ancestral lands of the Kashia Pomo and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, she grew up close to the land, creeks and forests of Sonoma County learning about the wild edible and medicinal plants that grew in abundance around her. Amythest joins The Cultural Conservancy as the Farm Manager, leading the Indigenous agriculture, Native foods, and seed cultivation work at both our growing sites, Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden and our land project - Heron Shadow. Before joining TCC, Amythest worked as a Tribal Farmer for The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria growing food year-round for direct distribution to Tribal Citizens and supporting community engagement at the tribal community garden. With a keen eye for detail, and a deep belief in listening to the land, she has dedicated herself to creating and encouraging healthy native foodways that strengthen and give voice to the reciprocal connection between people and land.
Amythest is a certified permaculture designer and studied Environmental Science and Organic Agriculture in course work. Previously she worked with Native non-profit Ya-Ka Ama, tending the native plant nursery and community gardens, as well as with Northern California Indian Development Council doing restoration work. She also managed the farm project for the Healthy Traditions Diabetes Prevention program at Sonoma County Indian Health. Throughout her career she has focused on youth and adult education utilizing traditional land practices and food sovereignty to uplift and encourage healthy lifeways. Over the years, she is honored to have developed curriculum for various regenerative agricultural programs throughout the region, medicinal plant workshops, naturalist trainings, organic gardening, and land stewardship, and to be continuing to grow and deepen that work with TCC.
Contact: amythest@nativeland.org