The University of Oregon is located on Kalapuya Ilihi, the traditional indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya people. I was able to conduct some research into their history with the help of Katie Staton, the steward of the Many Nations Longhouse.
The estimated Kalapuya population at its largest was around 15,000 but by the mid-1800s through introduced diseases like malaria and pneumonia that number was reduced to just 600. A tremendous amount of knowledge and culture was lost along with the victims of these epidemics.
In 1848 Oregon became a territory of the United States, and in 1855 the government made a treaty with the Kalapuya. The Siletz and Grand Ronde Reservations were formed to house the Coast, Willamette, and Umpqua tribes. However, sites for reservations were chosen because the land was marginal or because it was deemed unsuitable for the new influx of settlers. The relocation of the tribes into one or two areas left the native people without shelters, food or supplies. All form of possession was taken including their weapons, so they were unable to even hunt for themselves. They lost not only their home but their traditional food sources.
It’s remarkable that we still have knowledge of some of the essential aspects of the Kalapuya history given the decimation of their population and the near extinguishment of their culture through decades of social, political, and economic oppression.
What’s interesting about Native communities is that they are often regarded as a part of the past and it’s left at that. However, the purpose of this land acknowledgement is to bring to our attention the need to center tribal voices. Indigenous voices are still here, we just need to provide a platform so that they can be heard.
The important first step is to recognize publicly that, no matter where you might be in the US, you are on what was once indigenous land. We should also acknowledge that this land was almost certainly taken from its traditional inhabitants by force, and that their descendants are still here. May this serve as a necessary reminder of the uncomfortable truth that must be realized if we hope to move forward.
Today, the Kalapuya descendants are citizens of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, who continue to make important contributions in their communities, at University of Oregon, and across the land we now refer to as Oregon.
The University of Oregon has made several efforts including the recent funding of the Oregon Tribal Grant which seeks to offset college-related expenses like tuition, housing, books, and costs not covered by other grants. Despite these efforts, there are still many reparations to be made in the future.
We express our respect for all federally recognized Tribal Nations of Oregon. We also express our respect for all other displaced Indigenous peoples who call Oregon home.
If you are interested in learning more, there are two books at the back table that have nicely been provided by the Many Nations Longhouse. I can provide some more information based on what I have learned, but I would encourage you to conduct your own research and pay a visit to the Many Nations Longhouse here on campus.
Written and presented by Tamia Arias-Solomon