We at Portland Center Stage would like to offer a land acknowledgement as an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those who have stewarded this land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgments do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: Colonialism is a current, ongoing process, and we seek to build an understanding of our present participation. 

The Portland metropolitan area is vast and includes modern day cities such as Portland, Vancouver, and many others. It covers both sides of the Columbia River and both sides of the Willamette River spanning into surrounding counties such as Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clark, and Skamania. In this broad area, there were numerous tribes, people, and villages that honored the abundance that the lands offered. We honor their history and acknowledge the sacrifices they made. 

In the metropolitan area, the tribes are:

Multnomah [mult-NO-mah], 

Wasco [WASS-co],

Cowlitz [COW-litz], 

Kathlamet [cath-LAH-mit],

Clackamas [CLA-ka-mas],

Chinook [cha-NOOK],

Tualatin [too-AH-la-tin], 

Kalapuya [cal-a-POO-yah], 

Molalla [ma-LA-lah],

and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

We wish to acknowledge the robust present-day federally recognized tribes of this area; the Grande Ronde, Siletz, and Cowlitz. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the Chinook Nation, which has been seeking federal recognition for many years. Today, these vibrant, diverse tribes and communities celebrate their heritage, showing resilience and tenacity. 

The Native American community in the Portland metropolitan area is made up of tribal diversity that originates from around the country, representing at least 380 tribes. This community has a vivid history, made up of people whose journeys have brought them to Portland by ways of stolen land, forced displacement, or seeking more opportunities. 

At Portland Center Stage, we are committed to supporting Native communities through our conversations and collaborations with Indigenous artists, and with Portland’s Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation. Check out the links below to find out ways that you can support these organizations.