Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage month. Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress in August 1, 1990, designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. If you are interested in participating in events to Celebrate indigenous heritage this month – there will be restoration Pow-wows for both the Siletz and Grand Ronde – The Siletz are celebrating their 48th annual restoration pow wow and the Grand Ronde are celebrating their 42nd. For more information on these pow wows, please visit each of the respective tribal websites – ctsi.nsn.us and grandronde.orgOur Historic Landmarks Commission and historic preservation staff have completed research into the early residents of Salem who have documented their experiences and relationships with the indigenous people who had been living in the Willamette Valley since time immemorial. One of these people we’ve researched is Lewis Judson whose recollections of the early history of Salem can be found in of the 1955 Marion County History Volume 1, published by the Marion County Historical Society in their article: “Remembrances of Lewis Judson…”compiled by George G. Strozut, Jr. . Judson recalls the numerous deaths at Chemawa Indian School before the turn of the century (usually caused by tuberculosis). The OPB Documentary “Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience” follows the journey of Klamath Tribes member Gabriann “Abby” Hall as she uncovers the hidden stories of her family’s experiences in Native American boarding schools in Oregon, stretching from the first generation forced onto a reservation to the present era. To learn more about Boarding schools in Oregon you can view the OPB documentary available on the PBS App, the PBS website, or on OPB TV.