Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgment Written by Kristin Kraaz, Assistant City Attorney

Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that lead to the this moment. Some came here by choice from distant homes in hope of a better life, some were brought here against their will, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Trust and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across barriers. And so, we would like to begin by acknowledging that the land we are on, that we now call “Springfield,” is located within the traditional Indigenous homeland of the Kalapuya people. The Kalapuya people have stewarded this land in Springfield, between two rivers, throughout generations, and I ask you to join me in acknowledging their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. We acknowledge that the City of Springfield shares its history with the exclusion and erasure of many Indigenous peoples, including the Kalapuya and those who first inhabited land on which we are located. We express our respect for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, whose citizens include the descendants of the Kalapuya people. We also express our respect for the other federally-recognized Tribal Nations of Oregon, which include the Burns Paiute Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and the Klamath Tribes. In addition, we express our respect for all other displaced Indigenous peoples who call Oregon home.