Native American Businesses & Organizations in Oregon

Based at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) represents a vibrant community of law students united by a commitment to supporting Native American and Alaskan Native populations through legal education and advocacy. This student-led organization embodies the values of cultural awareness, social justice, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. NALSA was established to bridge the gap between academic legal study and real-world impact in Native American communities. The organization recognizes that Federal Indian law is a specialized and critical field that requires dedicated attention and passionate advocates. By bringing together students who share a commitment to these issues, NALSA creates a supportive network of future lawyers prepared to serve Indigenous populations with cultural competence and legal expertise. What sets NALSA apart is its strong emphasis on community connection and relationship-building. Rather than operating in isolation, the organization actively reaches out to local tribes and Indigenous communities throughout the Portland region. These partnerships create invaluable opportunities for students to learn directly from tribal leaders and community members, grounding their legal education in authentic cultural and community contexts. This collaborative approach ensures that NALSA members develop not just legal knowledge, but genuine understanding of Indigenous perspectives and priorities. The organization welcomes all students and community members who share an interest in Native American legal issues and tribal advocacy. NALSA fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment where members can learn together, celebrate Indigenous cultures, and build lasting connections. Through events, discussions, and collaborative projects, NALSA members in Portland contribute to a broader movement toward justice and equity for Native American and Alaskan Native communities. The association maintains active communication channels, including social media presence and regular campus engagement, inviting all interested individuals to participate in this meaningful work.

The Native American Law Students Association at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR represents a dedicated community of law students united by their commitment to Native American legal advocacy and indigenous rights. This student organization serves as a welcoming space for individuals passionate about Indian law, whether they are Native American students pursuing legal careers or allies interested in supporting tribal communities through legal practice. UO NALSA's mission extends beyond the classroom to encompass meaningful outreach and community engagement. The organization actively reaches out to Native communities throughout Oregon and beyond, encouraging Native people to pursue legal education and develop the skills necessary to advocate effectively for their own nations and peoples. By fostering recruitment and support networks, UO NALSA helps build a more diverse legal profession equipped to address the unique challenges facing tribal communities. Members of this Eugene-based organization strive to present indigenous views and values within the greater School of Law community, working to shift legal education toward greater cultural awareness and understanding of Native issues. The association recognizes that effective advocacy for Native clients requires not only technical legal knowledge but also deep respect for tribal sovereignty, traditional governance systems, and the lived experiences of indigenous peoples. Through collaborative programming, networking events, and community partnerships, UO NALSA creates meaningful connections among law students, legal professionals, scholars, and tribal leaders. The organization provides a supportive environment where members can explore their professional interests while contributing to the broader movement for tribal sovereignty and indigenous rights. Located at the University of Oregon in Eugene, UO NALSA embodies the values of community, cultural pride, and legal excellence in service to Native American communities.

Founded in 2000 by dedicated Native leaders and tribal members, the Native Wellness Institute represents a grassroots commitment to healing and empowerment within Native communities across North America. Operating from Gresham, Oregon, this 501(c)3 non-profit emerged from the Native wellness movement of the 1980s and 1990s, when communities recognized the need for culturally-specific support to address historical trauma and its ongoing impacts on families and tribes. The organization exists to help Native people understand where negative behaviors originate, create pathways for genuine healing, and move forward with purpose and dignity. At its core, the Native Wellness Institute embodies the Warriors Spirit—a commitment to honoring ancestors by living as positively, productively, and proactively as possible each day. The Institute draws from the profound wisdom of Native traditions: prayer, faith, songs, dances, ceremony, and language, recognizing these as essential tools for resilience and legacy-building. Founded during a transformative era when sobriety movements and cultural revitalization swept through tribal nations, the Native Wellness Institute continues this vital work by connecting people to their roots while addressing contemporary challenges including substance abuse, violence, and community trauma. Their approach respects the inherent strength within Native peoples and communities, providing not just training but a movement toward collective healing and self-determination that impacts individuals, families, workplaces, and entire communities.

Founded in 1993 by the late Martin High Bear, a Lakota medicine man and spiritual leader, and Rose High Bear, an Alaskan Athabascan and Inupiat elder, Wisdom of the Elders, Inc. has grown into a vital Portland, Oregon institution committed to honoring and preserving Native American wisdom. The organization's mission centers on recording, preserving, and sharing the voices, knowledge, and cultural practices of Native American elders, storytellers, and scientists in meaningful collaboration with community partners and institutions. At its core, Wisdom of the Elders serves as a bridge between generations and cultures, driven by a vision of Native American cultural sustainability, multimedia education, and cultural reconciliation. The organization's work extends far beyond archival preservation—it actively engages Native youth and adults through paid internship opportunities, workforce development, and educational initiatives that celebrate Indigenous knowledge systems. Over two decades, Wisdom has recorded the stories and teachings of over 400 Native elders and cultural leaders, creating a living archive that strengthens community identity and resilience. The organization's commitment to healing from historical trauma is evident in its comprehensive wellness curricula and community gatherings that bring together storytellers, educators, and families. Based in Portland, Wisdom of the Elders represents a deep investment in Indigenous futures, recognizing that the wisdom of Native American elders is not merely historical documentation but essential guidance for contemporary environmental stewardship, health, and cultural continuity.

Based in Portland, Oregon, the National Indian Child Welfare Association is a membership-driven nonprofit uniting tribal nations, individuals, and organizations in a shared commitment to protecting Native children and families. Grounded in the belief that Native cultures represent the strongest resource for helping children and families thrive, NICWA works to preserve cultural identity while ensuring that every Native child remains connected to their family, community, and spiritual heritage. Founded on principles of tribal sovereignty and cross-cultural competence, NICWA brings together partners, board members, and staff who understand that effective child welfare practice must translate traditional teachings and values into contemporary action. The organization responds to the evolving needs of Indian Country by supporting tribes in building sustainable, locally-led solutions that address child safety while maintaining family integrity. NICWA's approach emphasizes community-based services designed by and for Native people, recognizing that the highest priority for child welfare is ensuring children grow up safe, healthy, and spiritually strong—free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Through membership opportunities, annual conferences, advocacy initiatives, and professional training, NICWA creates spaces for learning and shared expertise while relentlessly advocating for policy changes that strengthen Native families and protect children for generations to come.

Founded in 1974 by parent and Elder volunteers and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1994, the Native American Youth and Family Center represents a community-driven movement rooted in self-determination and cultural wealth. Serving self-identified Native Americans from across the Portland, Oregon area—representing the region's 90,000 Native people—NAYA embodies the principle of being founded by the community, for the community. The organization brings together a family of numerous tribes and voices united in sustaining tradition while building a healthier future. NAYA's core values—respect, balance, pride, giving, community, tradition, kindness, accountability, diversity, and leadership—guide every aspect of their work and relationships. Guided by Elders and trusted by the community, NAYA creates gathering spaces where Native people can live their unique cultural values while accessing holistic support. The organization's vision extends to 2061, imagining a thriving Portland Native community with economically secure families, successful Native-led businesses, healthy connections between culture and wellness, and strong partnerships across the region. NAYA's strategic decisions reflect deep community engagement, with their 2023-2028 strategic plan developed through input from over 100 individuals including staff, participants, funders, and partners. This commitment to authentic relationship-building and community partnership distinguishes NAYA as a trusted institution strengthening Native resilience and cultural continuity throughout Portland.

Founded in 1953 by visionary tribal leaders, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians represents a historic commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determination across the Pacific Northwest. Based in Portland, Oregon, ATNI serves as a collaborative platform for 57 tribal governments who have chosen to unite their voices and strengthen their collective influence in the region. What sets ATNI apart is its deep-rooted foundation in the communities it serves—the organization was built by and for the tribal nations it represents, ensuring authentic representation and accountability to member tribes. Operating as a nonpro fit corporation chartered under Oregon law, ATNI maintains transparent governance structures where authority flows directly from member tribes through the Executive Council and down to operational committees. The organization's constitution, bylaws, and comprehensive policies reflect decades of collaborative experience and tribal wisdom. ATNI's two Northwest locations provide accessible services and support to member tribal governments throughout Oregon, Idaho, Washington, southeast Alaska, Northern California, and Western Montana. For tribal nations seeking coordinated advocacy, policy support, and collaborative partnership in addressing regional challenges, ATNI offers a proven model of indigenous-led governance and tribal unity.