As a member of the Lummi Nation whose ancestral lands include southwest British Columbia and northwest Washington, I am pleased to share with you what I know about Oregon’s rich indigenous legacy.
Oregon’s landscape, from the Pacific coastline to the high desert plains, has been home to Indigenous peoples for more than 15,000 years. During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultural legacy and ongoing contributions of Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes and their ancestors who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; the Burns Paiute Tribe; the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians; the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians; the Coquille Indian Tribe; the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians; and the Klamath Tribes each maintain distinct cultural traditions while sharing deep connections to Oregon’s diverse ecosystems.
Traditional ecological knowledge passed down through generations has shaped Oregon’s natural environment. Indigenous practices, such as controlled burns, helped maintain healthy forests and meadowlands, supporting both wildlife and food-gathering traditions. Many of Oregon’s iconic landmarks bear names from Native languages, including Willamette, Wallowa, and Multnomah, reflecting the enduring presence of Indigenous people in the region.
Despite facing historical trauma through forced
relocation, boarding schools, and cultural
suppression, Oregon’s tribal communities
have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The
Western Oregon Indian Termination Act of 1954
dissolved many tribal governments and land
holdings, but through persistent advocacy,
several tribes achieved federal recognition
restoration in the 1970s and 1980s, rebuilding
their sovereign nations. Today, Oregon’s tribes
are vital economic and cultural forces within the
state. Tribal enterprises provide employment
and fund essential services.
Education remains a priority, with tribes
operating their own schools and cultural
centers while partnering with state institutions.
The Native American Student and Community
Center at Portland State University serves as a hub for Indigenous students and cultural
education. The Museum at Warm Springs,
Oregon’s first tribal museum, showcases the
living culture of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and
Paiute peoples.
Environmental stewardship continues through
collaborative management of ancestral lands.
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
Reservation’s salmon restoration efforts in
the Columbia River basin demonstrate how
traditional knowledge combines with modern
science to heal ecosystems. The Coquille Indian
Tribe’s sustainable forestry practices serve as a
model for balanced resource management.
Native American Heritage Month provides an
opportunity to acknowledge both historical
injustices and contemporary achievements
while looking toward a future of continued tribal
sovereignty and cultural revitalization. Through
language-preservation programs, traditional
arts workshops, and youth leadership initiatives, Oregon’s tribal communities ensure their
heritage remains vibrant and relevant.
As we celebrate this month, it’s essential to
recognize that Native American heritage isn’t
confined to historical narratives, but continues
to evolve through living traditions, modern
innovations, and the daily experiences of
Indigenous Oregonians. Their contributions
enrich our state’s cultural fabric and remind us
of our shared responsibility to protect the lands
and waters that sustain all communities.
At DCBS, we approach our work with the nine
federally recognized tribes by following our
core values of protecting and serving Oregon’s
consumers and workers while supporting a
positive business climate. We also observe the
values of Oregon’s Legislative Commission on
Indian Services (LCIS). To learn more about
LCIS, visit https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/cis.