Oregon Wild's

Land Acknowledgement

We offer gratitude for the land in this state called Oregon, for those who have cared for it throughout generations, and for the opportunity to grow, learn, work, and create community on this land. We respectfully acknowledge and honor all Indigenous communities throughout time and into the future and are grateful for their vibrant presence. We acknowledge that our offices are on the ancestral lands of the following Indigenous Peoples: Cowlitz, Multnomah, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Chelmela, Winefelly, Kalapuya, Nez Perce, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Confederated Tribes of Siletz, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

What is a Land Acknowledgment?

A Land Acknowledgement is a statement that affirms Indigenous Peoples as traditional inhabitants of the land that has been settled through colonization. In addition, it recognizes their current stewardship over many landscapes including, but not exclusive to, public, private, urban and rural. A Land Acknowledgement recognizes the vital relationship since time immemorial that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional lands.

Why are Land Acknowledgements Important?

A Land Acknowledgement is important to display a commitment for continued learning, healing, empathy and growth. Acknowledging land is Indigenous protocol and is an important step for non-Native people to do to recognize historical wrongdoings like forced removal, genocide and other colonial legacies that have long-lasting current impacts. Implementation of a Land Acknowledgement creates a basis of understanding to further equity for all Indigenous Peoples, as well as making space to focus on past, present and future Indigenous communities.

We extend our respect to the nine federally recognized Indigenous Nations of Oregon: The Klamath, Burns Paiute, Coquille, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians, Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, Confederated Tribes of Siletz, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Additionally, we acknowledge all other tribes who have traditional connections to these lands, and displaced Indigenous Peoples who reside in Oregon.

These Indigenous Peoples have enduring and current relationships with the land, including public lands, and spaces where cities, towns, farms, ranches and timberlands have been built and managed by settlers. We recognize that Native communities were forcibly removed from the land where we now reside and the continuation of harmful colonial legacies. We realize that a Land Acknowledgement is an evolving and persistent process focused on facilitating continued learning and growth. Oregon Wild is dedicated to expanding efforts to elevate Indigenous knowledge, and respect for the many cultures, creativity, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples in our efforts to protect Oregon's wildlife and wild places.