Natives in this country belong to a number of nations throughout the U.S.. Some in the country who are labeled African American are natives and may not know their family history. Natives that are Black were here before Columbus. Portland and the country, in November, recognize National Native American Heritage Month. Portland’s Native and Indigenous population is reported to be the ninth largest of any city in the nation.
Portland’s Tribal Relations Program is partnering with Indigenous organizations to bring Indigenous portraits to sites around the city. According to the Parks Foundation, “The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River.”
One local organization called the Native American Youth and Family Center, works to build cultural and keeping their traditions alive. It also provides foster care services, resources such as community economic development as well as college and career services.
The city seems to be really happy about the art that recognizes Natives. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler’s said, “The presence of the portraits in public spaces will ask viewers to interrogate their preconceptions of Native people and consider their own experience as it relates to Native land, people and communities.”
Some of the portraits can be found here:
RACC Building at 411 NW Park Ave.
Metro Regional Center at 600 NE Grand Ave.
County Elections Office at 1040 SE Morrison St.
Central Courthouse at 1200 SW 1st Ave.
NE Health Center/Walnut Park – 5329 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
