History

In 2010, in collaboration with Native communities and local tribes, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) co-created the Native American Community Advisory Council (NACAC), with the understanding that the Willamette Valley and Columbia River indigenous people hold a unique status as the original stewards of this region’s land. PP&R is a large land manager in Portland and is committed to the stewardship of public properties and the community interactions with parks and natural areas. This stewardship creates a unique relationship between the Native community and PP&R. In recognition of this shared interest, and the essential value of working with the Native community, a unique council of interested Native community members advise PP&R about Native cultures, lifeways, and needs was created. Their role is to advise and collaborate about park development, land management, bureau policy, and projects.

PP&R recognized their contribution with the Native community by formalizing the Native American Community Advisory Council on November 6, 2013.

The NACAC provides a forum to discuss values such as sacredness of land, the importance of spiritual and cultural connection to heritage, and the recognition that Indigenous peoples have been here since time immemorial. Native people continue to contribute immeasurably to our nation’s, state’s, tribes’, and city’s heritage.

Members
The NACAC is comprised of local federally recognized tribal members and Native American urban organization members on staff with the City of Portland. The work of this council is to foster collaboration between and among Native communities and the bureau by developing partnerships and strengthening community ties.

Portland Parks & Recreation staff
Ken Rumbaugh, Community Engagement Coordinator

Goals
The goal of NACAC is to contribute Indigenous values, knowledge, and vision to the cultural fabric of Portland while fostering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health by:

• Providing opportunities to educate and practice Native cultures and lifeways within the urban landscape.
• Developing best practices to engage with Indigenous peoples in the area.
• Collaborating, cooperating, and advising PP&R regarding issues, questions, and potential projects.

Vision
NACAC wishes to bring about a healing between Indigenous/Native American peoples and all others who live in this region, recognizing that the people are one with the land and consider themselves stewards of it and participating in the well-being of the land. Consistent with Parks 2020 Vision, the NACAC strives to work for a healing of this land, to protect it and to pass it on to future generations, and to leave a legacy for our children that build upon our inheritance.

Next Steps

1. Discuss and develop agreement on the structure of the Council
2. Increase visibility of the Council by creating a presence on the website
3. Set clear expectations around the work, authority, and advisory capacity of the Council in the following:
   • Blessings ceremonies
   • Naming process
   • Interpretative signage
   • Staff recruitment
4. Develop a process with NACAC to bring other issues, questions, or potential projects forward, for example, development of inter-tribal gathering areas on publicly managed land.