Experience Indigenous Oregon highlights Tribal tourism assets and cultural resources, from museums and cultural centers to casino resorts, outdoor activities and public events.
The guide is designed to help visitors explore Indigenous experiences while providing context on the history, traditions and values of communities that have lived in Oregon for thousands of years.
More than 50 Tribes historically fished Oregon’s rivers and waterfalls, including Celilo Falls on the Columbia River, which is now submerged beneath The Dalles Dam reservoir. Indigenous communities also left enduring cultural markers across the state, including petroglyphs at sites such as Picture Rock Pass and ancient artifacts at Fort Rock.
The nine federally recognized Tribes continue to play an important role in Oregon’s cultural and tourism landscape.
“Indigenous people, as stewards of this land since time immemorial, are glad to welcome you,” said Bobbie Conner, director of the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute and a member of Travel Oregon’s Tribal Tourism Leadership team.
She said the guide represents a partnership between the nine Tribes and Travel Oregon and is intended to encourage visitors to engage with Indigenous history, culture and contemporary communities.
The publication was previously titled the Oregon Guide to Indian Country. Its new name reflects Tribal tourism leaders’ preference for a more contemporary and globally relevant title.
Beyond visitor attractions, the guide includes advice on respecting Indigenous lands, histories and cultures. It also provides profiles of each of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes.
The project puts particular emphasis on Indigenous voices and representation.
Its cover was created through a custom photo shoot by a Warm Springs Tribal photographer on public land near the Warm Springs Reservation. It features Kahmussa Green, a former Miss Warm Springs, college cross-country and track athlete, and advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Travel Oregon said Green represents a new generation of Tribal leaders carrying forward knowledge, traditions and connections to their homelands.
“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 of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
The guide is available online and can be ordered free from Travel Oregon. Printed copies are also available at welcome centers, Tribal casinos and hotels across the state.
Tags: Bobbie Conner, Tamástslikt Cultural Institute Travel Oregon
