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Idea Committee recommends relationship-building over a formal land acknowledgement
Summary
Tualatin’s Idea Committee recommended the city not adopt a written native land acknowledgement; instead the committee urged stewardship of relationships with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and active cultural programming and displays to reflect living indigenous history.
The Idea Committee presented its recommendation regarding a native land and people acknowledgement, urging the City of Tualatin to prioritize active relationship‑building with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde rather than adopting a standalone written statement.
Kelsey Ashen Brener and Aaron Stimson summarized a field trip to the tribal museum and explained committee findings that a written statement felt performative without accompanying, ongoing engagement. The committee proposed alternatives including exhibiting indigenous art, hosting interactive discussions with tribal historians, displaying information about indigenous land and people at the riverfront park, and celebrating Indigenous People’s Month.
Council members thanked the committee for an inclusive process and careful consideration; Councilor Sako emphasized that committee members “demonstrated a remarkable commitment to listening and learning.” The committee’s recommendation was presented for the council’s consideration as a policy direction with follow‑up coordination among the Arts Advisory and Parks advisory committees.
