By: Helen Tonso

Many people believe that Native Americans no longer exist and are surprised to hear that traditions and cultures of Native Americans are being practiced today. In the article Oregon Indian Women as Citizens of the Land, the author Kay Reid states, “each tribe has a distinctive history, land and governance structure and each has experienced interactions with the United States government in a singular way.” Although different acts from the 1800s, such as the Removal Act and The Oregon Donation Land Act, are not in play these acts still affect what America is today and specifically Native American lives. In the 1830s, treaties were violated by the government in order to benefit the spread of European settlers. The relationship and communication between tribes and the government have come a long way sense then.

Today, federally recognized tribes are their own sovereign nation which is a big advantage towards growing stronger. But as Native Americans still suffer as an indigenous minority group the barriers of practicing and passing down traditions in modern society is a huge struggle. New plans, such as the Oregon American Indian/ Alaska Native Education state plan, are developed by Native American leaders to help increase the graduation rates and attendance rates of Native youth.

One local organization available, to Native Americans of Lane county, is the Chifin Native Youth center. This youth center is located in Springfield Oregon. This recently new youth center brings Native Americans together creating a healthy community. In this community gathering meals, crafts, drumming and educational support is available. This Youth center plays an important role for the Native Americans because it is a trusted environment to learn new traditions with hands-on experiences.

One source I came across while doing my research is a non-profit source called Native American Tribes of Oregon. While the information provided on the website addresses many diverse tribes in Oregon and in the United States the website is not fully credible. One good thing about this source is the contact information of the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon are listed. Knowing where to find these recourses is a great backup source in case my subjects fall through.

The sources I found in my research will help with my storytelling by giving the audience a better understanding of the history of Native Americans, population, traditional gatherings and where Native Americans are at today with keeping their culture alive.