Native American Businesses & Organizations in Salem, OR

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.

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.