It is important for us to recognize the place where we are, the history of the land, and the people with whose lives it has been entwined.

 

What we now call Portland, Oregon and Multnomah County were the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Tualatin Kalapuya, Wasco, Molalla, Cowlitz and Watlala bands of the Chinook, and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River. Today, people from these bands have become part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, as well as the Chinook Nation and Cowlitz Nation in Washington State.

Portland, Oregon has over 380 federally recognized tribes represented in the Urban Portland Metropolitan area. Systemic policies of genocide, relocation, and assimilation still impact many Indigenous/Native American families today. I am honored by the collective work of many Native Nations, leaders and families who are demonstrating resilience, resistance, revitalization, healing and creativity. As an Ashkenazi Jew and a settler I value building genuine relationships with the Indigenous people whose land I occupy, joining in solidarity with movements to support Indigenous Sovereignty and Land Back.