UNITED TERRITORIES OF PACIFIC ISLANDERS ALLIANCE - PORTLAND CHAPTER IS A NON PROFIT RUN BY AND FOR QUEER AND TRANS PACIFIC ISLANDERS (QTPIS) ESTABLISHED IN 2017. WE ORGANIZE TO HEAL THROUGH THE LOVE FOR OUR CULTURE AND THE LOVE FOR OUR PEOPLE.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

UTOPIA PDX humbly acknowledges that the Portland Metro area rests on the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who have nurtured and cherished this land for thousands of years. These Indigenous communities have cultivated vibrant cultures and harvested the bountiful resources of the Columbia River region.

We recognize and honor the enduring presence and contributions of Native American communities in this region. Oregon is home to a rich tapestry of Native peoples who continue to live, work, and sustain their cultures here. We are profoundly grateful for their ongoing and vibrant presence, which enriches our community.

As a Pasifika organization, our journey and struggles resonate deeply with those of the Indigenous peoples of this land. We understand the importance of mutual liberation and are committed to uplifting all forms of Indigeneity. Our histories and futures are intertwined, and we stand in solidarity with our Native relatives.

We acknowledge the painful history and ongoing impact of systemic policies that have inflicted adversity on Indigenous families through forms of genocide, stolen land, forced removal from their homes, and assimilation. The tools of colonialism, erasure, and subjugation have harmed Indigenous peoples for centuries. Until land is returned and accountability is taken, Indigenous communities worldwide will continue to face challenges posed by colonizers who unjustly claim ownership of stolen lands.

Today, colonialism persists, and we must recognize that the original inhabitants and caretakers of this land continue to steward it. As settlers and guests on these lands, we must commit ourselves to honoring Indigenous traditions and wisdom and supporting Indigenous communities in ways that align with their needs and requests as allies and guests.

We pledge to respect and support the work of Indigenous leaders and families, recognizing their knowledge, creativity, and resilience. Together, we strive to create sacred spaces that celebrate and empower Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders, while also supporting the broader Indigenous community in our shared journey toward self-determination and empowerment.

In unity and respect, we honor the land, its original stewards, and the collective pursuit of a just and equitable future for all.