Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
Join the City of Lake Oswego in honoring and celebrating the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the Native American community, both in November and all year long. The contributions of the Native American community have greatly enhanced the quality and character of Lake Oswego, The Pacific Northwest and our entire nation.
Over the course of the 20th century, many attempts were made to establish a day dedicated to honoring and acknowledging the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples. Although various states held commemorative events, it wasn’t until 1990 that President George H.W. Bush officially designated November as “National American Indian Heritage Month”.
Learn more about the history and culture of the First Peoples in Oregon by exploring events, art, and more.
Events
November 1 - Oregon Is Indian Country (ohs.org)
November 4 - Native American Heritage Month Celebration The Allison Hotel (Newberg, Or)
November 8 - 21st Annual NAYA Gala and Auction
November - We Are The Land - Public Arts Installation
November 23-24 - Oregon City Winter Indigenous Marketplace
Art
- The Land Remembers - Dedication | City of Lake Oswego
- Native American Art - Portland Art Museum
- Native American, First Nation, Arctic, and Mexican Art – Quintana Galleries
Tribal Nations and Demographics
The Kalapuya, Walla-Walla, Umatilla and Cayuse tribes were the first peoples of Lake Oswego. Today there are nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon including the Burns Paiute Tribe, Confederate Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Coquille Indian Tribe and Klamath Tribes. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 185,723 identified as “American Indian or Alaskan Native”. Click the links below to learn more!
- Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde
- Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
- Burns Paiute Tribe
- Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
- Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
- Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
- Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
- Coquille Indian Tribe
- Klamath Tribes
History
Click the links below to learn more about the history of Oregon’s Indigenous population.
- Pacific University's timeline of Indigenous History in Oregon
- The Oregon Encyclopedia - Native Americans of Oregon
- Broken Treaties (Full documentary) | Oregon Experience | OPB
More Information and Resources
- Native Land Interactive Map
- Coalition to STOP Violence Against Native Women
- Native American Musicians You Should Know
- Native Arts and Cultures Foundation
- Project 562
- Untouchable Artifacts | Five Oaks Museum
- Native American Youth and Family Center (nayapdx.org)
- Wisdom of the Elders, Inc
- Native Wellness
- Buy Native Guide
- Northwest Native Chamber
Photo: Cousin at a powwow ceremony in Nisqually; courtesy of Leah Wells. This powwow takes place after a new tribe arrives to exchange items and it’s a welcoming ceremony. The masks are worn when a tribal member feels the need to embrace the spirit and strength of the animal that resembles the mask. The eagle mask represents the need for strength and enlightenment.
