Earth Hero: Sakari Farms

Sakari, a word meaning “sweet” in Inupiaq, represents a loving and warm personality, which exactly describes the vibe I felt when Spring and Sam Schreiner, along with Otis, their energetic canine, welcomed me to their farm on a bright, blue-sky day in Tumalo.

Spring, an enrolled member of the Chugach Alaska Native Corporation and Valdez Native Tribes, has worked with numerous natural resource management organizations at both the federal and local levels, including the Department of Agriculture. Her connection to leadership and service runs deep, going back to her father who was a tribal leader in Alaska.

Sam, a lifelong Oregonian from Camp Sherman, complements Spring perfectly. A skilled builder and mechanic, he has a natural ability to bring ideas to life. His craftsmanship is visible all around the farm, from thoughtfully constructed workspaces to the efficient systems that keep everything running smoothly. Everything flows with purpose.

The couple brought their talents together to create Sakari Farms. When they purchased the property they’ll tell you it’s the pond that sold them. Their faces light up when they talk about the crystal clear water that fills it up during warmer months.

“We swim, paddleboard, and just enjoy being outside.”

At its heart, Sakari Farms serves as a template and resource hub for Native agriculture, aiming to create opportunities and build connections among tribal communities.

Spring’s commitment ensures that Native agricultural traditions are honored, not appropriated. She actively connects with other tribal farmers, attends conferences, and participates in seed sharing networks, always getting permission before growing culturally significant seeds.

Sakari Farms has become a gathering place where languages are revitalized, lost recipes are rediscovered, and people come together. Initiatives like the tribal seed bank help strengthen these connections and Tribal Boxes provide access to culturally relevant foods. The farm also regularly host workshops and classes, including seed-saving sessions, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) programs, and community events like the Tribal Long Table.

The couple has created quite an impressive and organized setup in which every structure has a role. A glasshouse nurtures plant starts, while large tunnel greenhouses stretch the growing season in Central Oregon’s unpredictable climate. There’s a dedicated kitchen where harvests are transformed into finished products and a drying room where herbs and plants are carefully preserved. It’s a full-circle system, thoughtfully designed and constantly evolving.

Most importantly, the land itself is treated as a partner, not a resource to be used up. Natural growing practices guide every decision. Cover crops replenish the soil, tribal tobacco is grown as a natural pest management tool, ubiquitous plants we think of as invasives like mullein are used for tea, and even bright colored bachelor buttons end up in salads.

Like any farmers, Sam and Spring have their fair share of challenges. Water is always a concern, and with low snowpack this past winter, it may be an even bigger issue. Still, they’ve built an efficient irrigation system and remain hopeful about improvements made by the Tumalo Irrigation District. Economic pressures, like tariffs for example, have completely halted overseas shipping. This season Sam says they plan to focus on what they do best, leaning into their specialties with a “reel it in” mindset.

Twenty-five percent of what is grown on the property is dedicated specifically to support Oregon Tribes. Most of the remainder of what they grow goes into their own products like Hopi black bean hummus or the spicy buena mulada peppers that are used in their popular hot sauces. The unique flavors concocted by Sam, the pepper master, have won numerous awards. Spring admits, “He’s a natural green thumb.”

Beyond the heat, Sakari Farms offers a wide range of products like teas, seasonings, coffee, jams, and more. The farmers collaborate with other local businesses like Funky Fauna, Boneyard Beer, and Broadus Bees. Curious customers can find their products all over Central Oregon and beyond or pick them up directly from the on-site shop in Tumalo.

Upon receiving recognition from the Source, Spring eloquently explains, “An Earth Hero utilizes our culture and lived experience. This means being respectful of the living systems of the land which we farm and including the native plant and wildlife habitat and their needs into our growing operation. We implement conservation practices that support the fragile environment the High Desert has to offer.”

Through trial and error, Sam and Spring are always experimenting. New seasonings, new hot sauce flavors and other ideas continue to percolate. Most importantly though, they want to care for the land and give back to the Native communities that inhabited it long before its current residents.

“First we take care of the land, and then it takes care of us.”

This article appears in the Source April 16, 2026.