Multnomah County issues formal apology and commits funding for Lone Fir Block 14 memorial

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a resolution acknowledging historical injustices committed at Block 14 of Lone Fir Cemetery and issued a formal apology to the Chinese American community.

The board’s resolution recounts findings from county and community research that between the late 19th century and the 1940s thousands of Chinese and Chinese American residents were buried in Block 14; that post-1928 county actions halted Chinese burials and cultural use there; and that county workers in 1948 exhumed remains — in some cases using heavy equipment — and directed that many sets of remains be repatriated to China or reinterred elsewhere. County staff and community witnesses said the actions resulted in the destruction or loss of cultural artifacts and left many individuals’ final resting places unknown.

Neil Lee, vice president of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), told the board: “On behalf of our community, I want to express our deep appreciation to Multnomah County for your meaningful steps toward justice and reconciliation.” Other community speakers described multi-decade advocacy to transform the site into a memorial and urged timely follow-through.

The county’s adopted measures include a formal apology, display of the apology at the Block 14 memorial and records, and a financial commitment. The board’s FY 2026 budget actions and a related budget note earmark $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and indicate the board’s intent to prioritize available funds in the next budget cycle to support completion of the memorial, which community designers estimate will require additional funds to reconstruct a historic altar site and build a gathering space, seating and interpretive elements.

Michael Yan, a member of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Portland Lodge who is leading memorial design work, told the board that the apology and commitments “are a significant step forward” and urged the county to complete promised funding in order to rebuild trust. He said efforts to compile names for the memorial have already begun; a ledger-based list of names was delivered to the project team the week of the meeting and will be used to inform the memorial’s name panel.

Board members said the action was both overdue and essential. Commissioner Moyer, whose district includes Lone Fir, said the resolution is an opportunity for truth telling and the beginning of reconciliation. Commissioner Brim Edwards said the historical research exposed “racist statements by county officials” and that an apology was long overdue. Commissioner Singleton characterized the action as part of a broader pattern of restorative work the board is undertaking.

Background and next steps: County and Metro staff noted that Metro assumed ownership of parts of Lone Fir in the 2000s, that an archaeological investigation in 2005 confirmed remains under a former county maintenance building, and that a 2005 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and Metro committed parties to collaborate on an appropriate memorial and site plan. The resolution affirms the county’s intent to partner with Metro and community organizations, to host memorial events, and to support an exhibit at the Portland Chinatown Museum as part of ongoing healing and record restoration.

The board adopted the apology and funding direction unanimously and said it will follow up with public events and continue partnership work with Metro, the CCBA and community design teams to finalize the memorial design and secure remaining funds.