Native American Heritage Month Proclamation

On Tuesday, November 3, the Board of Commissioners proclaimed November 2020 as Native American Heritage Month in Washington County.

The proclamation highlights the fact that the area currently known as Washington County, Oregon rests on land that was first inhabited by the Atfalati Kalapuyans, also called the Tualatin people, who flourished here for thousands of years. It references not only the cultures, traditions and accomplishments of Native Americans, but also “our nations’ history of colonialism that has inflicted discrimination, deprivation, violence and genocide upon indigenous people.”

The Board was honored to welcome several members of the Native American community who took part in the proclamation presentation, including County employee Sherry Kurk, tribal elder Celeste Whitewolf and drummer singer Harmony Paul. The proclamation was read by Hillsboro student and member of the Klamath Tribe, Ella Smith, along with Jenny Sanchez, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.

The proclamation was developed in collaboration with renowned researcher, scholar and educator, Dr. David G. Lewis, PhD who is also a member and elder of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community. Following the reading of the proclamation, Dr. Lewis provided a virtual workshop to over 100 County employees on the history and heritage of the Atfalati Kalapuyan peoples.

• READ the Proclamation.
• WATCH a video of the Board presentation.
• VIEW Dr. David Lewis’ virtual workshop on the history and heritage of the Atfalati Kalapuya peoples.
• LEARN more about the Atfalati Kalapuyan people by visiting 5 Oaks Museum’s virtual exhibition entitled “This IS Kalapuyan Land” curated by Steph Littlebird Fogel.

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