The Land we live with

Nicasio: A Land named ‘Etcha Temal by the Huukuiko People of the Coast Miwok who stewarded it long ago, before it was taken from them.  

With reverence and humility, we wish to honour their spirit. We are happy that the rematriation process is underway, and a portion of their Land has been returned to their descendants.

Reinventing Relations

At our Home Land, and other spaces, we are moved to inspire deeply rooted BIOPHILIA-the human instinct to be one with nature.

In our own modest way, we tend to the well-being of the ones we cross paths with; the humans, the fauna, fungi, and flora, of earth, fire, air and waters... With wishes that the reverberations are grand. 

Interdependent Self-Governance

In our own words self-governance is the way of being and living and loving that is uprooted from established systems of destruction and oppression of people and Earth and all the living creatures.

It’s interdependent because it moves with forming and maintaining deep bonds with the community to support one another to thrive and flourish with less engagement in those systems. 

Mariefrance

I’m originally from the land named Kanata by the St Lawrence Iroquois People, which was renamed New France and then Canada by European Colonists. I carry both in my blood.

I have been in conversation with this land here in Nicasio for 14 years. During that period, I’ve formed bonds and relations with the non-humans beings that are hard to describe in words. I think you get what I mean…

I’ve poured my energy and focus in being a witness to various lands and landscapes across the earth, and in my wiser moments, have let those move me, shape me, direct me to become more engaged and seamless with the elements. I am a psychotherapist- a listener of human stories, human Love and plights for belonging and finding solid ground. I feel a profound gratitude for being able to fulfill this role.

I’m a mama to a daughter. Mothering is Sacred to me.

I’m learning the skills needed to be less dependent on the systems that are problematic-as in rooted in carelessness and disregard for the Whole-starting fire, growing food, assembling and tending to plants to make medicines, forage, fishing, building…The fascination and love of plants is explored through learning from the plants themselves by taking on Dietas, making herbal tinctures, salves, waters and liniments. And studying with the ones who have held the traditions of healing and expanding with plants-curanderas and curanderos, witches, medicine People, and naturopathic practitioners.

I have a certificate in Psychedelics Research and Therapies from the California Institute studies. I did a recent travel to the Andes in Peru, to learn the practices of reverence of the Wachuma cactus from the Q’eros people. It was a culmination of participating in the program Life as Medicine Ways, by Francisca Santibanez of Plant Spirit Talk.

These days I’m combining various plants to make unique brews for people. And I’m growing fascinated with clay.

Craig

I was born and raised in the bay area. I have existed on the land of the Ohlone people my entire life. I spent a few years in Santa Cruz to get a degree in Business Management Economics from UC Santa Cruz, on the lands first stewarded by of the Awaswas-speaking Uypi tribe and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. I roamed the Lands End Area of San Francisco for 20 years enjoying the beauty of the pacific ocean, the great horned owls, hawks, and ravens, in Sutro Park, Ocean Beach, and Golden Gate Park. Appreciating the trails that weave through Lands End. I am in love with the natural world.

I practice sustainability. Since 2006, I’ve been running a small business: I re-sell repurposed items of all kinds. I think it is important to try and re-use what already exists rather than buying something new, so as to not contribute to the growing amount of waste on the planet. I often power my car with the sun. They are small contributions, but if each one of us does their part, the impact can be significant.

I have embraced this land we call Nicasio. I am in utter awe of its offerings; from the towering redwoods, to the Nicasio Reservoir, to all the creatures I see on a daily basis: hawks, foxes, owls, eagles, deer, hummingbirds, turkeys and quails, to name a few…I have even come across a bobcat, this land is truly a magical place. The natural world inspires a sense of child like joy in me each and every day.

I enjoy creating with my hands; honoring the beauty of wood by crafting lamp posts, coasters, sculptures, making garden beds… I have recently been acquiring skills in construction. I built the deck and stairs that our tent La Libertad sits on.

I’m a father to thousand of plants that I have taken pride in growing and sharing with those that come into my life. I delight in hikes that take me on a journey through places before unseen. Noticing the plants, trees, animals, and land I walk amongst. The natural world allows me to feel a calmness that is so very grounding in the depth of my being. I am committed to be a custodian and guardian of our Kins.