AMLT Staff

Ally Arganbright - Administrative Assistant

Why did you want to work for AMLT / why are you doing this work?

I was interested in working with AMLT because of my interest in ecological restoration, and Indigenous rights issues. I continue to do this work because I feel strongly about giving back to the land that I am on, and respecting the Indigenous community of who's lands I am on. I am grateful to be around people who care about the land and their community so much.

What from your whole life's experiences are you bringing to this role?

In college I studied Ecological Restoration, Native American Studies, Horticulture, and Social Studies. AMLT allows me the opportunity to see land engagement holistically, emphasizing the connection between healing historical trauma and the environment. I strongly believe it is in everyone's best interest that Indigenous people be respected in the ways they request, and for traditional land stewardship be returned to these lands.

It has always felt important for me to connect to a place and understand the history of where it is I have come to be. I live in Santa Cruz, and I want to connect to the trees, birds, water, and animals more than with just a naturalist lens. There is a deeper relationship to be had when you learn about the thousands of years of relationship building that the Amah Mutsun and other tribes have had on the same land you walk and drive on today. Something much bigger than you can quantify.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Santa Barbara, Syuxtun/Chumash Lands. I moved to Santa Cruz to go to UCSC, and have now been here for over 5 years.