Letter from the Executive Director

By Noelle Chambers, AMLT Executive Director

Dear friends,

It’s only been two months since I joined as AMLT’s Executive Director and already so much has happened! I’ve spent a lot of my time meeting everyone in the community, practicing deep listening, and learning about the incredible history of the Amah Mutsun Land Trust and Amah Mutsun Tribal Band. First and foremost, it is clear to me that AMLT is made up of dedicated, passionate, hard working staff and community members. People go above and beyond to support the Tribe’s visions of revitalizing Indigenous stewardship and Amah Mustun lifeways. I am moved and inspired by my colleagues and partners.

My second week on the job, I joined AMLT staff and AMTB members for a week-long Gathering of Native Americans event in the Santa Cruz mountains. We communed over intergenerational healing and regrounded in Tribal-led visions for the land trust. It felt important and meaningful to begin my role with AMLT this way, through spending quality time in-person and hearing from Tribal members about how they would like to see the land trust grow.

Since joining, I have been supporting staff in establishing internal systems to help AMLT move into its next chapter. Part of this work is growing the organization to fit the needs of our programming. I am excited to share that AMLT hired a Director of Development, Jodi Litz. Jodi brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and social services, as well as a deep personal commitment to supporting Indigenous people in stewarding and protecting their sacred lands. Jodi began her position this week and is eager to meet everyone, learn about AMLT, and connect with our dedicated supporters and community. AMLT is hiring for four additional positions, including a new Lands Project Manager position, and we hope to continue to grow our staff over the next few years. If you are interested in joining the wonderful team at AMLT, please check out our jobs page to view open positions.

Summer is often the busiest time at AMLT and this summer is no exception; in addition to internal work, I have also been preparing for our full calendar of summer programs. The annual Youth Stewardship Summer Camp will be held this July 13-17. AMLT staff, AMTB Tribal teachers, and Tribal members are working hard to plan a magical and fun week of cultural relearning for our young campers. Our Native Stewardship Intern Program began this week. Over five weeks, a cohort of 16 Tribal members will immerse themselves in field training about the stewardship and study of Tribal resources on the land and ocean. During the days, they will focus on topics such as the fundamentals of archaeology, Amah Mutsun history, cultural and sacred site protection, native foods, and ethnobotany. During the nights, they will set up camp at sites throughout the Santa Cruz and Hollister regions and participate in talking circles with Tribal elders. Our Youth Camp and our Intern Program are both ways for Tribal youth to connect with AMLT’s programs and be introduced to the Native Stewardship Corps.

AMLT’s Native Stewardship Corps is a work and relearning program for Amah Mutsun Tribal Band members. The NSC engages Tribal members in the research, conservation, and education work that AMLT conducts across its programs. It acts as a vehicle to bring Tribal members back to their homelands to resume the Indigenous stewardship work of their ancestors. For many years, the NSC has served as an invaluable work crew, providing the “boots-on-the-ground” for AMLT’s diverse programmatic and stewardship commitments. After a pause, we are thrilled to welcome a new cohort of Native Stewards this fall.

I know that many of you reading this letter are longtime supporters of the Amah Mutsun Land Trust. Thank you so much for all the support and well wishes you have given AMLT over the years. I look forward to continuing to meet everyone in AMLT’s dedicated community, and growing the incredible work AMLT does.

With gratitude,

Noelle Chambers

Executive Director, Amah Mutsun Land Trust

To stay updated with AMLT’s summer programs and the Native Stewardship Corps re-launch, subscribe to our mailing list.

To read more about AMLT’s Gathering of Native Americans retreat, click here.

To view available job opportunities with AMLT, visit our jobs page here.