Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

The Visit Native California content series aims to shine a spotlight on the many different ways visitors can learn about, and learn from, the state’s 100+ tribes. From museums to guided tours to attractions at state and national parks, there are countless ways to experience Native American culture in the Golden State. Here are two unique organizations to support.

Temalpakh Farm

"Experience food from the earth, for the people."

Ronnie and Amanda Vance from the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians created Temalpakh Farm. The sisters are council members, and Amanda is the Chairwoman. The farm is their mother's dream. They believe we borrow the land from future generations and we are stewards for the land.

They practice sustainable farming to protect the earth and it's resources while nourishing their community. That means no harsh chemicals or pesticides, no GMO seeds or other products. The crops are USDA-certified Organic and Certified CCOF Organic. 

You can support this unique farm run by one of the smallest recognized tribes in the U.S. by purchasing locally grown produce farm boxes or ordering directly from the market. 

Box pickup is available at:

-Temalpakh Farm in Coachella Monday - Sat 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (1 Roberta Way, Coachella, CA 92236)
-Chef Tanya's Kitchen Palm Springs (706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264) - Thursdays 11 a.m. only
-Chef Tanya's Kitchen Palm Desert (72695 CA-111 Unit A6, Palm Desert, CA 92260) - Thursdays 11 a.m. only
-Miracle Manor Hote & Spa (12589 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs 92240) - Thursdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. only

You can also browse the Temalpakh Farm Market which is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers fresh seasonal produce and smoothies. The market also hosts USDA organic produce from other local farms and vendors that use sustainable practices.

Currently, visitors of any age can take a farm tour with John Frank, Temalpakh’s general manager. Every tour begins on top of a hill marked by a 10-foot-tall sculpture of seven feathers.

Learn more about Temalpakh Farm on the web or on Instagram.

Native Like Water

Surf Therapy Through an Indigenous Lens

Marcus Lopez is a Chicano and Chumash educator and mentor for a non-profit organization called Native Like Water that reclaims natural practices and reconnects the community with with water. Native Like Water works along the coast from Kumeyaay and Payómkawichum land inviting people to experience the indigenous relationship to water by getting out on the ocean. 

Marcus and the organization aim to encourage team building and self-confidence in visitors while building physical immunity and improving mental health out on the SUPsquatch, a massive standup paddleboard. This unique watercraft facilitates surf therapy and is similar to vessels used by waterpeople in Hawaii.

How to experience the SUPsquatch

Get a group together and book the Squatch for a day or design a curriculum (diversity training, team building, mental health outing) with the Native Like Water team. 

You can also sign up for SUPsquatch Operator Training if you're interested in including this tool in your programming. The instructor will teach you how to inflate, deflate, handle, and store the craft, plus rider safety and paddling, steering, catching waves, and more.

Contact Native Like Water for day rates, reoccurring group rates, scholarships, and special curriculum design.

Check out their Instagram and follow them on the web.

Visit Native California

Learn more about the Native American experiences available to California travelers.

Feature image: Still from a film by Lauren Begay and Sanjana Sekhar