Bend commissioners acknowledge Confederated Tribes' historical land rights in meeting

The Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC) convened on April 30, 2025, to address several key agenda items, beginning with a land acknowledgment that honors the original inhabitants of the region. Commissioner Bernadico led the acknowledgment, recognizing that the land known as Bend, Oregon, is the ancestral territory of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The acknowledgment highlighted the historical significance of the land, including the Treaty of 1855, which ceded the territory while preserving the tribes' rights to hunt, fish, and gather. The presence of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Northern Paiute peoples was noted, along with the importance of the Klamath Trail as a trade route that fostered commerce among tribal nations.

Following the land acknowledgment, the commission moved into its business agenda, focusing on the approval of the draft meeting minutes from March 26, 2025. Commissioner Venatico proposed a motion to approve the minutes, which was seconded by Commissioner Scott Jones. The motion passed unanimously, confirming the minutes without any corrections.

The meeting underscored the commission's commitment to recognizing the historical context of the land and ensuring that the voices of the original stewards are acknowledged in ongoing discussions. The next steps for the commission will likely involve further discussions on equity and human rights initiatives in the Bend community.