Community members throughout Central Oregon are invited to a day of celebration in recognition of Native American, American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage month at St. Charles Madras on Thursday, Nov. 14. The celebration will include a Native Market with 10 artisan vendors from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, complimentary fry bread tacos and a presentation of the new land acknowledgment and artwork in the hospital’s Galleria. The Native Market is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the land acknowledgment presentation will take place at 1:15 p.m.
During the event, St. Charles President and CEO Dr. Steve Gordon will share why a land acknowledgement, which was developed in partnership with members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Spring, is important to St. Charles and surrounding communities.
“This acknowledgement is a way for us to pay respects to the original inhabitants and to recognize Indigenous people as the original stewards of the land upon which we reside and work,” Gordon said. “We hope that by sharing this acknowledgment we can aid in emotional healing, invite personal inquiry and reflection, and help set a positive tone for future generations.”
The presentation will also include Kiksht language speakers from Madras High School and Warm Springs K8 Academy.
The land acknowledgment and accompanying artwork will be on permanent display in the main entrance at St. Charles Madras. In the coming months, the acknowledgment will also be installed at other St. Charles locations. Learn more about St. Charles’ land acknowledgment on our website.
