Land Acknowledgement

Bethel School District is located on Kalapuya Ilihi, the traditional Indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya people. Following treaties between 1851 and 1855, Kalapuya people were dispossessed of their Indigenous homelands by the United States government and forcibly removed to the Coast Reservations in Western Oregon. Today, descendants are citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians of Oregon, and continue to make important contributions in their communities, including Eugene, Bethel School District, and across the land we now refer to as Oregon. 

Since time immemorial, the Indigenous peoples of this area have lived and thrived on the land we now call Oregon. As caretakers of the land and waters, we have faced countless challenges, yet through each adversity, our communities have demonstrated an unwavering resilience and strength. The resilience is deeply rooted in the cultural continuity entrusted to us by our ancestors. 

Land ownership is a man made concept that has been controlled by the dominant culture in America since the “creation” of the United States of America. We are on stolen land and it is important that 

WE ACKNOWLEDGE the nine federally recognized Tribes and other Native American people who have been here since time immemorial and continue to have ties to this place. The acknowledgement is not enough. We need action to accompany this work.What role has education played in the role of of Native trauma?How are we addressing land and a new educational legacy with our community?

We further honor and elevate the tribal approved curriculum for all schools across Oregon, which centers the essential understandings of the rich culture and contributions of the Native people in our state and nation.

Today is a gift to honor the Indigenous ancestors and the original inhabitants of this area. What you are doing to honor the Indigenous people and the people who came before you? What are you doing to preserve the land for future generations? 

A Land Acknowledgement does not change the past. It does not change the future. It is a gesture and marks the beginning of the work we need to do for our future generations. Please continue to center Indigenous voices and knowledge throughout the year.