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Friends of the Columbia Gorge’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Statement
The Columbia Gorge has been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, stewarding the land and waters of this region long before European colonization and the western idea of environmentalism. Friends of the Columbia Gorge is dedicated to ensuring the Columbia Gorge remains a place of wonder for generations to come. Whether it is the land, water, wildlife, people, Tribes, or communities, each is dependent upon the others for the Gorge to truly thrive. This is not possible without representing and engaging tribal as well as other diverse communities and individuals who share a connection to this special place.
Friends is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within our culture, practices, and policies. We support all who are connected to the Columbia Gorge including Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, as well as people of all genders, classes, and people with disabilities.
We acknowledge our country’s history of structural oppression, and the Columbia Gorge has not been exempt from its effects. Structural racism and discrimination continue to harm communities to this day, and we at Friends understand we have a role to play in dismantling these structures. We are all connected and work to amplify the voices of communities of color by engaging and deferring to their knowledge, needs, and skill. With a predominantly white staff and board, we must work harder to build diverse leadership to support our BIPOC staff and board and widen our perspectives to ensure our actions are inclusive and equitable.
Our mission is to protect, preserve, and steward the Columbia Gorge, and we have a responsibility to all who love and care for the Gorge to work toward a future where this land and river is a safe, welcoming, and wondrous place for all.
