We acknowledge that we are here on the traditional indigenous homeland of Kalapuya peoples, Cha Tumenma. We share this information out of humility and respect for this indigenous homeland, and for the Kalapuya peoples who continue to live and thrive in what is now called the State of Oregon.
Kalapuya peoples were dispossessed of their homeland by the U.S. Government and white settlers over several years, but most notably in treaties made between 1851 and 1855. At the time of these treaties, Kalapuya peoples were forcibly removed to what are now the Grand Ronde and Siletz reservations. Today’s Kalapuya peoples are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. They make important contributions in their communities across the land we now refer to as the state of Oregon.
At Nearby Nature, we are committed to honoring Kalapuya peoples past, present, and future. Our Learnscape and Park Host Residence are located on the edge of Alton Baker Park’s Whilamut Natural Area, a public green space designated to honor the Kalapuya peoples. There are fifteen basalt “Talking Stones” in the Whilamut, including several very close to our facility, that are each engraved with a Kalapuya word or phrase and an English translation. Participants in our programs travel regularly into the Whilamut to visit these stones as well as to enjoy and learn about the area’s natural wonders. Please take a moment today to reflect on the history of this area, the Talking Stones, and the Kalapuya peoples.
— Thanks to Kalapuya-Coos Elder Esther Stutzman for her help with crafting this statement.
See also Honoring the Kalapuya for more information about the Kalapuya people.
Updated 12-16-20