Land Acknowledgement
The Long Tom Watershed lies within the traditional homelands of the Tribes and Bands of the Kalapuyan peoples. Following treaties in the 1850s, the Kalapuya people were dispossessed of and forcibly removed from their Indigenous homeland by the United States government. Today, many descendants are citizens of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. We acknowledge that we are on occupied lands, and express our respect for Kalapuya and all Tribal Nations of Oregon, and the important contributions they continue to make to their communities, including to the stewardship of this watershed.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Since 2018, the council has invested significantly in exploring what diversity, equity and inclusion mean for the soul of our community, and the core of our work. As we reach the next milestone of that enriching process in the coming months, we will share more about our philosophy, approach and commitment to these critical elements of our work ahead.
At the Long Tom Watershed Council we believe:
“The health of the watershed is dependent upon the contributions of all people. LTWC recognizes the disproportionate impacts systems of oppression on People of Color and Indigenous People. We believe the organization’s strength depends on breaking down implicit, systemic inequities. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that grows our collective wisdom.”