FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Portland to Host 1st Annual Tribal Nations Summit
The Tribal Nations Summit will be the first of its kind—bringing together tribal leaders and city leaders to strengthen relationships.
Portland, OR–The City of Portland will host its first-ever Tribal Nations Summit on Friday, September 28, 2018. This inaugural event will include a Summit of Tribal and City Elected Leaders and a day-long training for more than 100 City employees. The band Portugal. The Man will also be attending the City training. The goal of this momentous occasion is bring together elected tribal leaders, cultural experts and city to share, learn, and strengthen relationships.
The theme of the Summit is “Coming Together as One,” and will mark the official launch to the newly established Tribal Relations Program and implementation of City Council Resolution 36941, which formalizes the City’s relationship with Tribal Government Partners.
“The Tribal Nations Summit is a historic event that will make good on a long overdue promise to deepen our relationships with tribal government partners,” says Mayor Ted Wheeler. “It is essential that City leaders listen and learn from tribal leaders about how to better engage as allies and partners.”
“This is the next big step towards implementing the City’s government-to-government tribal relations program,” says Tribal Relations Director Laura John. “It is an occasion to demonstrate that we are committed to developing meaningful relationships with many tribal nations. Through these conversations, City and tribal leaders will begin to see all the many ways in which they can be allies.”
“Over the past year we have met with native tribes from all over the world and it seems like we are just beginning to understand the vastness and the history,” says Zach Carothers of Portugal. The Man. “It is truly an honor to be able to come to the Tribal Nations Summit and be able to learn directly from the people.”
September 28 marks the official launch of the City of Portland’s Tribal Relations Program dedicated to building partnerships, collaborations, and diplomacy with tribal nations in the region. Elected City Officials will welcome invited tribal government officials representing the Cowlitz, Nez Perce, Grand Ronde, Siletz, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama Tribes.
For City employees, the day is an entry point on a path to a deeper understanding of Native perspectives on, what the river means historically and today, the impact of the City of Portland on natural and cultural resources, the value of Native foods and working together to protect them, and how the Pacific Northwest’s annual Canoe Journey is revitalizing Indigenous traditions.
Media is invited to cover the Opening and Closing Ceremony, Reception at Oregon Historical Society and City Training. Attached is a detailed schedule.
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