Native American Alaskan Native Parents & Community

November is Native American Heritage Month - a time to celebrate the beauty of indigenous cultures. Not only do we recognize the tremendous positive significance of Native people in this country, but we also remember the mistreatment of Native communities that continue to fight for recognition, equality, and peace. 

We recognize that parts of the Hillsboro School District are located on the traditional lands of the Atfalati Kalapuya, the indigenous people of this area. According to Kalapuya tradition, the people were created here, and they have lived here since time immemorial. Indigenous people still live here today, having persevered through war, displacement, genocide, and oppression. We humbly honor the ancestors of the indigenous peoples for being the original stewards and protectors of this land. 

We want to take this opportunity to recognize and highlight the rich and diverse cultures of Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous communities this month and beyond. Visibility Saves Lives (Visibilidad Salva Vidas) can be seen as the first step to establish and maintain relationships with our Native students and staff. Our educators have access to lessons and resources to help them integrate and elevate Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous cultures year-round.

Here are some upcoming events that may be of interest to you:

• Native American/Alaska Native Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting
  • Wednesday, November 20, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brookwood Elementary School, 3960 SE Cedar St., Hillsboro, OR.
  • All Native American and Alaska Native families and high school students are welcome to attend. Drum class will also be happening and is an option for students’ participation. 
• Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley
  • Saturday, November 9, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Brookwood Public Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR. 
  • Listen to Dr. David G. Lewis present key topics from his book, “Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley,” including the colonization of the Willamette Valley and the losses felt by people in the tribes. He will analyze their transition to reservations, highlighting living conditions and ongoing challenges. The second segment will feature Dr. Lewis’ latest research in the Valley. 
• Restoration Pow-Wow
  • Saturday, November 16, 6 p.m. at Chinook Winds Casino, 1777 NW 44th Street, Lincoln City, OR.
• Portland Indigenous Marketplace
  • Frybread Fest
    • Saturday, November 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR.
  • Winter Oregon City Indigenous Marketplace
    • Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Redland Grange #796, 18131 S. Fischers Mill Rd., Oregon City, OR
  • Black Friday Indigenous Marketplace
    • Friday through Sunday, November 29 through December 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Historic Alberta House, 5131 NE 23rd Ave., Portland, OR.
  • Come support Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs!