Pictured: The Summit of Mauna Kea, a sacred mountain to the Hawaiian people, standing at almost 14,000 feet, whose area has been overrun with industry and telescopes.
At Ember, we acknowledge and celebrate the indigenous people of the lands we now occupy: the Kānaka Maoli native Hawaiian people and the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuy, and Molalla tribes native to the Portland metro area.
We acknowledge the land was stolen without consent from the native people. We recognize the ethnic cleansing and slavery from our nation’s dark past that has led to subtle and overt systems that perpetuation racism and oppression.
We also recognize how much we collectively gain when these communities thrive. We seek to understand the history and celebrate the rich culture, beauty, and customs of these indigenous groups. From music and dance, to values and customs, to caretaking for the land, we have so much to learn and celebrate together.
We cannot undo the past, but we can learn together how to make the future brighter and better for everyone.
At Ember, we commit to being lifelong learners of how to honor and respect the indigenous people of the land we occupy. We posture ourselves with respect as guests on this land. Financially, we commit to donating monthly to organizations that serve indigenous communities such as, but not limited to:
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: a non-profit organization on Oahu that provides access to capital, financial education, and individualized financial counseling services with a focus on low and moderate-income families.
The Native American Youth and Family Center: a non-profit organization in Portland, Oregon that offers a wide array of comprehensive services and community-based solutions, including lifelong educational opportunities, cultural identity, leadership development, elders support, homes for families, early childhood programs, and paths to financial security based on traditional tribal values.
About the Author
Bri Leever is Chief Community Architect at Ember, a splasher of water, and lover of books doing life in an ever-changing migration pattern ✈️
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