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