The indigenous tribes and bands have been an integral part of the Oregon and Northwest regions since time immemorial and remain a vibrant presence in Oregon today. We want to express our deep respect for the First Peoples of this land, specifically the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon: the Burns Paiute Tribe, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Coquille Indian Tribe, Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, and The Klamath Tribes. It's of utmost importance to acknowledge and honor the enduring legal and spiritual connection between the land, its flora and fauna, and the indigenous peoples who have lived in what we now call Oregon. The profound interconnectedness between the people, the land, and the natural environment cannot be overstated; the well-being of one is essential for the well-being of all. We recognize the pre-existing and continuing sovereignty of the nine federally recognized tribes with deep roots in this region and express our gratitude for their ongoing sharing of traditional ecological knowledge and their perspective on how we can mutually care for one another and the land, allowing it to care for us in return. We are committed to entering into a respectful and productive partnership as stewards of these lands.