Two years ago, we launched the Indigenous Land Relationship Fund as a way for Oregon’s land trusts and our broader community to act in solidarity with Tribes and Indigenous-led organizations — not just in words, but by redistributing financial resources.
SUPPORT THE FUND
Since 2023, the Fund has distributed around $250,000 to more than 14 Indigenous-led projects across Oregon—supporting communities to reclaim and reconnect to culture, traditional landscapes, and First Foods.
In some instances, these funds have jumpstarted new workforce development programs. In others, they’ve covered the costs of land-based cultural convenings.
Across the board, the ILRF puts critical resources in the hands of Indigenous leaders working in service of their communities and homelands.
With your help, we can play an active role in supporting Indigenous land relationship.
We’re marking the Fund’s anniversary with a $5,000 goal by September 30th – and we need your help to get there.
Your gift makes an immediate difference. This year alone the fund has helped support the following projects:
Wiwnu’nmiyay Shatay Huckleberry Gathering Camp
Naknuwiłama Tiiča̓mna Caretakers of the Land — $15,000
In August 2025, Naknuwiłama Tiiča̓mna Caretakers of the Land hosted Nez Perce, Cayuse, Walla Walla and Palus Tribal members at a highly significant ancestral berry picking and hunting site, located near present-day Jubilee Lake. Participants will have the opportunity to pick huckleberries, gather medicines, and take canoes onto the water.
Coming-of-Age Ceremonies
Kalapuya Weaving LLC — $15,000
Rooted in ancestral customs, the Coming-of-Age ceremony marks a significant life transition and serves as a community celebration of growth, identity, and cultural continuity. With the goal of revitalizing this important custom, organizers have been gathering supplies, researching ancestral practices, and guiding three girls through their personal preparations– practicing traditional skills such as gathering, crafting, and storytelling– for this summer’s ceremonies
Nez Perce Youth Culture & Language Camp
Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland — $15,000
This camp will foster cultural pride, build up the next generation of community leaders, and help revitalize Nez Perce language and culture among Native youth ages 9-14 from three different reservations: Umatilla, Nez Perce and Colville. Through immersive experiences in their ancestral homeland guided by elders and Native cultural practitioners, students will deepen their sense of identity and learn Nez Perce words and the cultural significance of plants, water, food, and traditions.
Tribal Member-led Monitoring Initiative Phase 3
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians — $20,000
Over the past two years, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) have successfully implemented the first two phases of a Tribal Member-led Monitoring Initiative where Tribal members identified traditionally-important sites that had suitable patches of lat (seaweed) and k’wvs-sa/dee-lhat (mussels) for harvest and tending. In phase 3 of the project, CTSI will continue to host events and site visits to bring together Tribal elders, youth, and community members for monitoring, knowledge-sharing, and integrating tribal values and knowledge into intertidal restoration and management plans.
None of these projects would have been possible without supporters like you!
Your Gift = Direct Impact:
The Indigenous Land Relationship Fund is separate from COLT’s operations. 100% of your donation goes directly to Indigenous-led projects — nothing is used for administration or overhead.
Your contribution is an act of solidarity, helping keep the fund sustainable for years to come.
Let’s mark this anniversary by planting the seeds for the next project.
Will you give today and help us meet our goal?
