COCC Land Acknowledgement

Central Oregon Community College would like to acknowledge that the beautiful lands our campuses reside on are the original homelands of the Wasq'u (Wasco) and Tana'nma (Warm Springs) people. The Wasq'u (Wasco) and Tana'nma (Warm Springs) people ceded this land to the U.S. government in the treaty of Middle Oregon of 1855 while retaining regular and customary hunting, fishing, and gathering rights. As a result of this treaty, the Warm Springs Indian Reservation was created. 

In 1879 a small group of Numu (Paiute) people were placed on the Warm Springs Reservation by the U.S. government. In the years following, more Numu (Paiute) people were forcibly moved to the reservation as well. It wasn't until 1937, in conjunction with the Indian Reorganization Act, that the three distinct tribes became known as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. It is also important to note that the Klamath Trail ran north through this area to the great Celilo Falls trading grounds. It is crucial to recognize that the descendants of these original people are still here today, and they are thriving members of our communities. We acknowledge and thank the original stewards of this land. It is our hope that students, staff, faculty, and guests continue to honor and care for the land that we use.

Purpose: To acknowledge someone is to say, "I see you. You are significant." The purpose of a land acknowledgement is to recognize and pay respect to the original inhabitants of a specific region. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you exist in.

The COCC Land Acknowledgement is a collaborative document, created by Michelle Cary, Native American Program Coordinator, Annemarie Hamlin, Instructional Dean, Christy Walker, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Gabriann Hall, COCC faculty member and an enrolled member of the Klamath Tribes, Valerie Switzler, Delson Suppah, Jefferson Greene, Gordon Scott and Elfreda Mitchell — all enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs — and Don Gentry, Chairman of the Klamath Tribes.