Who Are We?
The Farmers Daughter
Born a farm girl, Candice English, the owner and operator at The Farmer's Daughter Fibers, embodies her heritage & home state of Montana into all aspects of her work. Candice has lived and experienced The Last Best Place in a myriad of ways. From the Cut Banks of northern Montana, lakes and mountains of Flathead Valley, cultural and creative hub of Missoula, and back across the Rocky Mountains to central Montana; a place of the past.
The heritage of The Farmer's Daughter is what inspires. The early years of my life were spent growing up on a farm/ranch 30 miles east of the Blackfeet Reservation, where my Mother Pauline Matt was born and raised. Grandma Pauline is the foundation of our family, connected to the earth in immeasurable ways. Rich Native American roots, traditions, strength, and family ways drive us. It embodies all aspects of what we do.
The Wild West
On the other side of the family; an opposite world, we find the heart of big sky country. A rich foundation of ranchers and farmers. In 1954 Dean and Mary Perry moved with their 3 sons (the youngest being 'The Farmer'), to a ranch on the tip of the highline. There they managed Art Pardue's ranch and farm. Four years later they begin to lease the ranch and buy 2500 head of ewes. The ups and downs of Ranch life was a given and everyday farm work, along with the 3 boys, never provided a dull moment. Mary was well known for her kind nature, hard work, cooking and especially her craftiness. An unpronounced artist, her greatest work was done in the traditional fiber arts of kitting, crochet, quilting, sewing, and cross stitch. Having no daughters of her own, these art forms were inevitably passed down to her three granddaughters.
And so, through our story we are beyond thankful that we are able to reap the benefits of being so embeded into our homeland. Even more, we are thankful for the opportunity to share with you; our culture, heritage, and story. Thank you for being a part of it!
Media
Great Falls Tribune - Outstanding Indigenous Women
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
As a Women and Indigenous owned and operated company, culture is the essence of Farmer’s Daughter Fibers. We strive to make diversity and inclusion at the forefront of our company. We take a holistic approach to this by educating people about the culture and diversity FDF has to offer and by standing with, up, and in solidarity of marginalized groups of people. We do this through the spiritual artistry in our yarns, social media platforms, and in our local community where we fight to stop sex trafficking and better the basic needs, education, and artistic expression of American Indian children. We have used our success and platform to start a Non-Profit called Sister’s United. We do not tolerate disrespect or violence against BIPOC, LGBTQ2IAAP+, or other marginalized groups of people, ever. This work is continuing and will shift and grow as we do.
BIPOC = Black, indigenous people of color
lbtq2iaap+ = Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer, Two Spirit, Intersex, A-sexual, A-gender, Pan-sexual, + everyone else
MMIP = Missing and Murdered indigenous people