Eugene Human Rights Commission explores Native American seat and revising land acknowledgment

The Eugene Human Rights Commission began a substantive discussion about whether to add a Native American seat and whether to change its land-acknowledgement wording.

Chair Dr. Silky Booker framed the idea as a practical complement to the commission’s ritual land acknowledgement: "We acknowledge something without giving something back," she said, arguing that representation or advisory participation could deepen the city’s relationship with indigenous communities. Staff counsel emphasized the legal and procedural steps required, noting…