Solidarity is a verb.
It’s about showing up, sharing resources, and strengthening relationships that already exist between people and place.
Native American Heritage Month is an invitation to deepen those relationships — to move beyond acknowledgment and into meaningful reciprocity with Indigenous communities across Oregon. As land and conservation organizations, we understand that true care for the land must include care for the people who have stewarded it since time immemorial.
This month, we’re focusing on ways to stand in reciprocal partnership with Indigenous communities. Whether it be through funding Indigenous-led land work, participating in cultural events, learning from Tribal leaders, and supporting organizations advancing sovereignty, ecological restoration, and cultural continuity.
Below are some practical, community-driven ways you can join this work. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month not just in words, but through action that strengthens relationships between people, land, and place.
1. Help us grow the Indigenous Land Relationship Fund
We’re inviting our community to take part in Rooted in Reciprocity — a collective effort to raise $10,000 by the end of the year for the Indigenous Land Relationship Fund.
The Fund supports Indigenous-led efforts to restore, protect, and sustain relationships with the land. By joining as a peer-to-peer fundraiser, you can help grow this movement person by person, story by story.
Here’s how it works:
- Set your own goal. Whether it’s $100 or $1,000, every contribution moves us closer to $10K.
- Share your story. Tell your community why land relationship work matters to you.
- Invite others in. When you share your campaign and your relationship to this work, you help new people learn, connect, and contribute.
Start a Fundraiser
2. Donate to Indigenous-led Organizations
One of the strongest steps toward genuine reciprocity is to direct funding, support and attention to organizations led by Indigenous communities. Here are some examples:
- National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) – Protects the safety, health, and cultural identity of Native children and families by upholding culturally-based services, community strength, and Tribal sovereignty.
- Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) – Serving Indigenous and Native American populations in Portland for over 50 years, NAYA offers cultural programming, wrap-around services, small business development, affordable housing, youth services, and community gathering spaces.
- Changing Currents – Supports collaborative water and land stewardship led by Tribal nations.
- Portland All Nations Canoe Family – Coordinates programming to nurture Native urban families, build connections to place-based culture where we are, and protect our shared waters.
- Other organizations and initiatives local to you!
3. Attend (or Volunteer at) a Local Indigenous-Centered Event
Participating in Indigenous-centered events is a tangible way to learn, connect, and honor Native communities. Oregon hosts many powwows, cultural gatherings, and celebrations:
- Frybread Fest – Celebrate Native American Heritage Month in downtown Portland with a free, family-friendly event showcasing Indigenous food, music, and culture. Enjoy live performances by Wen’ípt, the Turquoise Pride Drummers, and storytellers Ed Edmo and Karen Kitchen. First 200 guests receive free frybread!
- When: 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8
- Where: Director Park, 815 S.W. Park Ave., Portland
- Details
- Indigenous Marketplace Events – Features Native artists, educators, and entrepreneurs, highlighting Indigenous creativity and community connection.
- Nov. 8: Director Park, Portland (in conjunction with Frybread Fest)
- Nov. 28–30: Location TBA
- Details
- 48th Annual Siletz Restoration Pow-Wow – Hosted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, welcoming all dancers and drummers to honor the tribe’s restoration.
- When: Grand Entry 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15
- Where: Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Lincoln City
- Details
- 42nd Restoration Celebration and Powwow — Celebrating 42 years since federal restoration, the Tribe hosts a two-day event at Spirit Mountain Casino, with Friday’s meal and reflections on their journey and Saturday’s grand entries, traditional dancing, and a flag retirement ceremony.
- When: Friday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Where: Spirit Mountain Casino, 27100 S.W. Salmon River Hwy., Grand Ronde
- Details
- 6th Annual ‘Rethinking Thanksgiving’ Webinar! – ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available, along with live English captions. This free event serves as a fundraiser, with donations welcomed. It will be recorded, and anyone who registers will receive access to the recording. The program invites participants to critically examine the legacy of the “Thanksgiving” holiday and explore how communities can work together to confront colonialism
- When: Sunday, Nov. 23rd, 1 p.m. PST
- Where: Virtual on Zoom
- Details/Registration Link
- UnThanksgiving Series — NAYA – A series of community‑and‑land‑centered events hosted by the Native American Youth and Family Center, focused on land‑honoring, Indigenous food sovereignty, and reframing what this time of year can mean in solidarity.
Locations and dates:- Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Native Gathering Garden at Cully Park, north of NE 72nd Ave & Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97218
- Nov. 16, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. — Prismid Sanctuary (Receive address after registration)
- Nov. 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Howell Territorial Park (7 Waters), 13901 NW Howell Park Rd., Portland, OR 97231
- Nov. 27, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. — NAYA Family Center, 5135 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97218
- Nov. 30, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Wapato Family Farm (address TBD)
Pro tips:
- Arrive early, park further away, and show respect to Elders and community leaders.
- Ask about photography or cultural protocols.
- Support Indigenous-owned vendors: buy handmade items, eat food, shop with intention.
- Approach as a guest and listener: observe, learn, honour. Don’t dominate.
4. Educate Yourself and Others
Solidarity requires informed action. One part of that is education: understanding history, present-day challenges, and the voices of Indigenous communities themselves.
Suggested Books & Resources (feel free to pick 1‑2 to start and build your list over the year)
- We Survived the Night by Julian Noise BraveCat
- There, There and Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
- The Water Remembers My Indigenous Family’s Fight to Save a River and a Way of Life by Amy Bowers Cordalis
- Project 562 by Matika Wilbur
- Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley by Dr. David G. Lewis
- My Name is LaMoosh by Linda Meanus
Other resources
5. Indigenize Your Media
Representation matters. To get a fuller picture of Indigenous experiences, keep up-to-date with news affecting Indigenous communities. Immersive yourself in Indigenous media, art, and humor. Laugh along and enjoy Indigenous-centered content.
- Read ICT, Underscore Native News, and Native News Online
- Watch Reservation Dogs, Rutherford Falls, and Dark Winds
- Follow Che Jim, Shina Novalinga, and NotoriousCree on TikTok
Support artists Steph Littlebird, Camas Logue, and Kellen Trenal
