Land Acknowledgement
credit: native-land.ca
Image credit: Native-Land.ca
This map does not represent or intend to represent official or legal boundaries of any Indigenous nations. To learn about definitive boundaries, contact the nations in question
"Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.” (US Department of Arts and Culture [https://usdac.us] Honor Native Land Guide)
We acknowledge that PPCW’s seven health centers are on the traditional land of the Chinook, Clackamas, Kalapuya, Molalla, and Atfalati Peoples. Our wider service region includes the traditional lands of dozens of other tribes, and includes the Warm Springs, Umatilla, Grand Ronde, Siletz, Burns Paiute, Klamath, and Cowlitz* Reservations. Additionally, Multnomah County is home to a vibrant Native community representing over 400 different tribal nations. It is also important to move beyond acknowledgment, and reflect on your own history that brought you to this place. We recognize that every person is responsible for understanding the history of colonization and genocide of Indigenous people, and commit to learning, building relationships, and supporting Indigenous sovereignty, priorities, and actions. This Land Acknowledgement is one small step in an ongoing commitment for PPCW to improve our support of Indigenous communities in the area.
*The Cowlitz reservation is in Clark County and the tribe has other offices in Cowlitz County.