Protected Lands

The lands we work on were stolen. Colonization by white settlers drove Indigenous people away from their homelands, usually by force or coercion. We acknowledge and honor the Indigenous people who have stewarded the lands and waters we care for today for many generations before us. We extend our deep gratitude to the Tribal Nations and Native people in our community who are leading the care and restoration of land, water, and community across our service area. We are honored to work in partnership towards a more just and equitable future.

Our projects and service area include the traditional homelands of the Kalapuya, Siletz, Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw, Molalla, and other bands and tribes. Today, many of their descendants are part of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. 

We understand that having a role in land ownership means we have a responsibility to those whose lands were stolen from them. The land calls us to continue learning how to be better caretakers and better allies to all the people who inhabit it.