The Environmental Center is on the traditional land of the Northern Paiute, the Wasco, and the Warm Springs tribes, known as The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon. These tribes also had interactions with other surrounding tribes – including but not limited to the Klamath, Modoc, Yahuskin, Santiam, and the Molalla.
We recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of this land where we live, work, recreate, and learn. Our facility, garden, and programs exist on stolen land. We are guests with our tribal neighbors making homes and legacies in these spaces together.
Many values, ideas, and resources The Environmental Center shares are rooted in Indigenous ways of life. When we call on our community to protect the planet and her people, we acknowledge that this interconnectedness has been delicately sustained by Indigenous People since the beginning of time.
Throughout history and today, our Indigenous neighbors are most impacted by social and environmental injustices, reminding us that work is still to be done. We will continue to learn from and build relationships with tribal communities who have a profound understanding of climate change and how to care for forests, deserts, waterways, wildlife, and people. We commit to uplifting, celebrating, and including Indigenous voices as we deliver programs, events and advocate for a sustainable future.
Land acknowledgement is a new practice for The Environmental Center, and a way for us to express gratitude to the people who came before us and the land that sustains us, to start dialogue, and to encourage ongoing education and action. When it’s both appropriate and meaningful, our staff may choose to share some version of The Environmental Center’s land acknowledgement at the beginning of an event or program.
The Environmental Center’s land acknowledgement was developed in partnership with local Indigenous community leaders and elders who were compensated for their time and expertise. We are grateful to each of them for sharing their history and stories.