Oaks Bottom is the traditional home of the Multnomah band of the Chinook, who have foraged and hunted these rich river bottomlands from time immemorial, as have other Chinook bands, such as the Clackamas, Clowwewalla, and Cascades .
Friends of Oaks Bottom acknowledges the immense culture-changing impact of Euro-American settlement on the Native peoples of the area, including the devastating effects of exotic diseases, forced removal from traditional lands, and government assimilation policies. We recognize that Portland today has the ninth largest Indigenous population among U.S. cities, drawn from all over the country, and we honor their presence. We pledge to continue to recognize the wisdom, knowledge and contributions of Portland’s Native population as part of our stewardship practices.