Land Acknowledgment Statement

We acknowledge that we are here on the traditional indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya peoples, Cha Tumenma (Land of the Ancestors). We share this information out of humility and respect for this indigenous homeland, and for the Kalapuya peoples who continue to live and thrive in what is now called the State of Oregon. 

Kalapuya peoples were dispossessed of their homeland by the U.S. Government and white settlers over many years, but most notably in treaties made between 1851 and 1855. At the time of these treaties, Kalapuya peoples were forcibly removed to what are now the Grand Ronde and Siletz reservations. Today’s Kalapuya peoples are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. They make important contributions across the land we now refer to as the State of Oregon.

We can’t change the past but we can do better by actively educating ourselves, our students and the larger community. In particular:

Network Charter School staff is enthusiastically engaged in studying Oregon’s Tribal History, as required by Senate Bill 13. We have committed time and funds for professional development in the areas of identity, survivance stories, genocide, federal policy and law, tribal governance and sovereignty, and language preservation. 

We will hold an annual Indigenous People’s Day, rich with local indigenous storytellers and tribal members. 

Network Charter School, in partnership with Nearby Nature, hosts classes in Alton Baker Park’s Whilamut Natural Area, a public green space designated to honor the Kalapuya peoples. There are fifteen basalt “Talking Stones” in the Whilamut that are each engraved with a Kalapuya word or phrase and an English translation. The Whilamut is a beautiful recreation area where our students and community members can visit and learn about these stones and the area’s natural wonders. 

Our culinary students will plan and cook a traditional Kalapuya meal, using indigenous ingredients so that all students can learn about and enjoy an indigenous meal. 

MECCA will teach students about Kalapuya history and art in its FACES class.

HeartWise will dive into Kalapuya folklore, exploring symbols and metaphor and how they relate to the natural world. Classes will offer an opportunity to reflect on the bond between human beings and the environment, sharing an indigenous perspective. HeartWise will also use a Native Voices Exhibition video which addresses indigenous relationships with the environment. HeartWise will create space to honor those who came before us and to hold dear our own relationship with nature.

At Network Charter School, we are committed to honoring Kalapuya peoples past, present, and future. 

*We gratefully acknowledge the assistance and wisdom of Esther Stutzman for her contributions to this statement. We also thank our educational partner, Nearby Nature, for their contributions.*