Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, when the nation celebrates the rich cultural heritage and deep connections that Indigenous peoples have to the land. In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Willamette Falls stands as a powerful symbol of this enduring connection and holds immense significance for the Native American tribes of the region, including: the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and the Nez Perce.
These Tribes have historical, cultural, and spiritual ties to Willamette Falls, where they fish for salmon, gather resources, and conduct important ceremonies. This magnificent natural wonder not only tells a story of ecological abundance but also serves as a reminder of the resilience, traditions, and wisdom of the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded this land for millennia.
As we reflect on Native American Heritage Month, we must recognize the ongoing efforts by Native communities to protect, preserve, and revive their cultural practices and connections to sacred places like Willamette Falls. These endeavors contribute to the broader cultural fabric of the region and remind us of the shared responsibility to honor and respect the heritage of the first peoples of this land.
This month and beyond, let us not only celebrate Native American heritage but also engage in meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and support for the preservation of Indigenous traditions and sacred sites like Willamette Falls, ensuring they continue to enrich the lives of future generations.
Learn About Native Communities
Online
Online & In Person
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Online & In Person
Support Native Art & Entertainment
November 17 - 24 | Online
Movie | In Theaters
TV Show | Online
Attend Native Centered Events
November 9 | Portland, OR
Bend, OR and Madras, OR
Portland, OR