November has been designated as Native American Heritage Month in Multnomah County, with the Board of Commissioners making the proclamation on November 14th during their board meeting. Acknowledging the numerous Tribal Nations represented within the county, which number over 380, the move is intended to celebrate and reflect upon the rich histories and contributions of Native American communities. As reported by Multnomah County News, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson remarked on the significant role Native community members play within the County's programs and partner organizations.
The proclamation emphasizes the resilience of Native Americans, a quality Brianna Bragg (Ihanktonwan Nation), a specialist at the County's Health Department, says has been a lifeline across generations. Despite the challenges faced, Bragg points out the ability of Native communities to "bend and not break,". Bragg also called for additional support measures for the community and its employees. This includes securing Native staff members' positions, policy changes for workplace flexibility, and initiatives that elevate issues such as food sovereignty and the fentanyl crisis.
During the board meeting, comprehensive support for the Native community was a key focus. Whitney Watson (Native Village of Kotzebue/Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Descendant/Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Descendant) from the Future Generations Collaborative, extolled the importance of community and access to culturally specific resources. "Access to these resources and access to community provides opportunities for folks like me to develop and form an identity that is proud to be Indigenous," Watson told Multnomah County News during the meeting.
Multnomah County Library's commitment to Indigenous services was highlighted by Eva Red Bird (Hunkpapa Lakota/Yankton Dakota), who expressed appreciation for the community's support. She underscored the library's role in providing inclusive spaces and culturally relevant resources for Native Americans. Despite its historic efforts, Red Bird seeks ongoing community engagement, to ensure the library's services indeed meet the needs of its Native patrons. "We have really encouraged [the Native community] to utilize library services and to think of the library as a community gathering space, a community center, as well as just a place for folks to feel seen and heard, included, and represented in a way that's historically accurate," she stated.
County Commissioners also shared their commitments, with Commissioner Sharon Meieran underlining the significance of providing needed resources for the community's prosperity. Commissioner Jesse Beason noted that recent advancements came as a direct result of Native groups claiming their rightful power. Furthermore, Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards suggested regular interactions with tribal leaders to better grasp and support their needs. Chair Vega Pederson echoed the sentiment, affirming the County's dedication to its work with the Native American Indigenous community.
