California Native Plants: The Edible Landscape: Native Foods — Past & Present

Sienna Thomas (Piipaash and Tsitsistas) expert on plants, specifically focusing on the ethnobotany of the desert region, particularly plants used by the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla tribe, where she is affiliated as an Environmental Technician and educator; she is known for sharing knowledge about the cultural significance and practical uses of native plants like the stinging nettle (“chikishlyam”) for medicine, food, fiber, and basketry.

Sienna’s commitment to preservation and education is further exemplified through roles such as Board Member at Malki Museum, Board of Directors for Friends of the Desert Mountains, and Council Member for the Riverside County Green Party. Sienna has also contributed to environmental efforts as an External Review Advisory Group Member for Leave No Trace and held several positions, including Naturalist at The Wildlands Conservancy and Assistant Conservation Social Scientist at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Arizona State University and an Associate of Arts in Anthropology from College of the Desert.

Your lab fee includes all ingredients for cooking, a pair of gardening gloves, notebook and pencil for notes

• Binder or folder for handouts
• Comfortable, closed-toed walking shoes

This special weekend workshop will start at 9 am, meeting outside of the Parks Exhibition Center. After a brief welcome, your instructor will take you to your classroom. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Workshops resume at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 pm. 

NOTE: A special after class field trip will take place on Saturday at 6 pm. You’re invited to meet at the campus bookstore where we will have shuttle vans provided for you to take you on your trip. The trip will conclude at 7:30 pm.

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:

1) Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.
2) Southern California professors, and graduate students.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service. 

Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:
1) Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers

For adults 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy.

2) Southern California professors, and graduate students
For adults 18 and older who are current teachers in lower and higher education who will benefit from learning about Native American Arts and Culture to take back into the classroom as well as currently enrolled graduate students. The scholarship is designed to provide professional development for those in education to share with their learning communities.

Click here for more information about adult scholarships.