ya-ka-ama.org

“To support traditional Native culture and values; to give Native People the tools to become contributing members of their communities; and to improve educational opportunities and resources for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.”

Ya-Ka-Ama, which means “Our Land” in the Pomo language, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1971. It is situated in a rural setting on 127 acres of agricultural land in Western Sonoma County near Forestville, California about six miles west of Santa Rosa, the county seat, and 70 miles north of San Francisco. “The Land,” as it is known locally, is partially bordered on the west and northwest by the Russian River. On the north by Lake Benoist in the Riverfront Regional Park and on the south and east by the Santa Rosa Junior College, Shone Farm. Redwood forest, oak woodlands, grasslands and more than two hundred varieties of native plants thrive throughout the land.

Board of Directors

The Ya-Ka-Ama Board of Directors (YKA BOD) is responsible for the overall management and control of the corporation affairs. The YKA BOD is comprised of nine (9) Native Americans from the tribal communities of Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Napa and Marin Counties, and elected into office by the tribal community of the counties they represent. The terms of the YKA BOD are staggered and last for two (2) years. Elections are conducted annually in the following manner: five (5) open seats will be voted on in odd numbered years (2023, 2025 etc.) and four (4) seats will be voted on in even numbered years (2024, 2026, etc.). The YKA Board meets monthly, typically on the first Monday of the month except during holidays. The meetings are open to the public except, when the Board must conduct a closed session to discuss sensitive or confidential issues.