Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation joins so many others in celebrating a milestone for Indigenous cultural preservation in the Columbia River system.

Collector Fred Mitchell has signed his life's work over to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in a ceremony at the Nixyaawii Governance Center in Mission, Oregon. The Fred L. Mitchell & Family Collection — roughly 15,000 ancient stone and metal items, over 800 beaded bags and pouches, more than 1,250 historic photographs, beaded gauntlets, dresses, cradleboards and much more — will now be preserved and shared through the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton.

Tamástslikt Director and OCF Board Member Bobbie Conner reminded those gathered that when the museum opened in 1998, it had no collection at all. This transfer is the result of decades of Tribal determination and one man's profound act of generosity.

Fred Mitchell, born and raised in Walla Walla, began collecting at age 5. Conner described him as “a man of integrity.” After he signed the documents, tribal officials wrapped him in a blanket to honor him.

We are grateful to Bobbie Conner for her leadership, to Fred Mitchell for seven decades of careful stewardship and to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation for their commitment to preserving these stories for future generations.

The Museum at Tamastslikt Cultural Institute — a must-visit in Pendleton, Oregon.
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation


Photo by Yasser Marte at Confederated Umatilla Journal

Funding for Warm Springs Community Action Team is one of 277 grants in the second wave of our “love letter” support for arts and culture nonprofits across Oregon. Thanks to KGW-TV for showcasing their good work!

Warm Springs youth filmmakers receive grant to grow tribal film program into 'a little Hollywood' Funding from Oregon Community Foundation will support young creators working to tell Native stories and challenge stereotypes in film.