PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The City of Portland hosted its first ever Tribal Nations Summit on Friday.
The event started off with a “Coming Together as One” summit of tribal and city-elected leaders. A day-long training for more than 100 city employees with take place afterward and last through Friday afternoon. Portland-based band Portugal. The Man will also attend the training session.
According to the city, the goal of the event is to bring together tribal leaders and city leaders to share, learn and strengthen relationships.
Friday’s summit marks the official launch of the newly established Tribal Relations Program and implementation of City Council Resolution 36941, which formalizes the city’s relationship with tribal government partners.
“The Tribal Nations Summit is a historic event that will make good on a long, overdue promise to deepen our relationships with tribal government partners,” Mayor Ted Wheeler said. “It is essential that city leaders listen and learn from tribal leaders about how to better engage as allies and partners.”
Portland city officials welcomed invited tribal government officials representing the Cowlitz, Nez Perce, Grand Ronde, Siletz, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakama tribes.