Travel Oregon Publishes Updated ‘Experience Indigenous Oregon’ Guide

Created in partnership with Oregon Tribal tourism leaders, the guide features Indigenous history, culture and tourism offerings

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, celebrates the release of Experience Indigenous Oregon, a new travel guide that promotes Tribal tourism assets and cultural resources—created in partnership with representatives from Oregon's nine federally recognized Tribes.

More than 50 Tribes once fished in Oregon’s wild rivers and great waterfalls, including the now-submerged Celilo Falls on the mighty Columbia River. Tribes carved petroglyphs in rock canyons such as Picture Rock Pass and left behind the world’s oldest pair of footwear at Fort Rock. Proud ancestors of those first people comprise the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon, and they continue to play a critical role in the vitality of Oregon today.

“Indigenous people, as stewards of this land since time immemorial, are glad to welcome you,” said Bobbie Conner, Director of the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and a member of Travel Oregon's Tribal Tourism Leadership team. “This guide, a result of partnership between the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon and Travel Oregon, is our invitation to you to enjoy the history, culture and values that make our Indigenous communities so extraordinary. I'm proud of our collaboration and shared work to create and promote meaningful and engaging tourism experiences. We hope you will visit us.”

Originally titled the “Oregon Guide to Indian Country,” the guide’s name change reflects the Tribal tourism leaders’ desire for the guide to have a more modern and globally resonant name. The updated edition includes ways to respect the land, history and cultures that Indigenous people have inhabited since time immemorial. It spotlights tribal museums, casino resorts, outdoor activities and Tribal events open to the public, in addition to detailed profiles of each Tribe.

The custom cover shoot, by a Warm Springs tribal photographer, was convened on public land near the Warm Spring Reservation and features Kahmussa Green, a former Miss Warm Springs, a college cross-country and track athlete and an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women. She is part of the new generation of Tribal leaders who are carrying forward their deep knowledge of their homeland and traditions that have endured and evolved for thousands of years.

“This guide is a powerful example of what happens when Tribes take the lead in shaping their own stories,” said Lisa Norton, Chief Administrative Officer, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. “It highlights that Tribes can honor the long-held tradition of our role as good hosts while celebrating the interconnection that is at the heart of our Tribal way of life.”

Travel Oregon is grateful to the photographers, editors, writers and partners who made this project possible, including our publishing partner, MEDIAmerica. The updated guide is a great resource for residents and visitors alike to explore Oregon’s Indigenous experiences. It’s available online and can be ordered for free on our website or picked up at statewide welcome centers, Tribal casinos and hotels.

See photos and videos here.

Experience Indigenous Oregon is available for order here.

About Travel Oregon

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is a semi-independent state agency whose mission is to inspire travel that uplifts Oregon communities. Collaborating with stakeholders to align as stewards of Oregon, we work to optimize economic opportunity, advance equity and respect the ecosystems, cultures and places that make Oregon… Oregon. Travel Oregon aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impact of the state’s $14.6 billion tourism industry, which employs nearly 123,000 Oregonians.