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How to Thrive in 2026

Jaclyn Baker

Thriving in 2026 won’t be about having all the answers or chasing every new trend, it will be about how you show up, day after day, in the middle of uncertainty.

These four practices aren’t shortcuts. They’re steady habits that build resilience, creativity, and meaning over time.

Build Your Courage Muscle

Courage isn’t something you either have or don’t have, it’s something you train.

In 2026, courage will matter less in dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime moments and more in small, repeated choices: speaking up when it feels uncomfortable, sharing work before it feels perfect, trying again after something doesn’t land. Each time you act despite uncertainty, you strengthen the muscle.

Waiting until you feel “ready” often means waiting forever. Courage comes after action, not before it. Start with manageable risks. Over time, what once felt intimidating becomes routine, and what once felt impossible becomes achievable.

Thriving means accepting that fear is part of growth, not a signal to stop.

Give Your Best Ideas Time to Simmer

In a culture that rewards speed, patience can feel counterintuitive. But your best ideas rarely arrive fully formed.

Creativity needs space. It needs pauses, half-finished thoughts, and moments where nothing seems to be happening. When you give ideas time to simmer, they deepen. Connections emerge. What starts as a rough instinct becomes something more thoughtful and original.

This doesn’t mean procrastination, it means respecting the process. Capture ideas early, revisit them often, and resist the urge to rush them out simply to keep up. In 2026, depth will stand out more than volume.

The ideas you protect and nurture are often the ones that matter most.

Reconnect with Why Your Work Matters

Burnout doesn’t usually come from working too hard, it comes from forgetting why the work matters in the first place.

When tasks pile up and pressure increases, it’s easy to focus only on deadlines, metrics, or external validation. But thriving requires returning to purpose. Ask yourself: Who does this help? What problem am I trying to solve? What value am I creating?

Purpose doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as helping one person, improving one system, or contributing one thoughtful piece of work. Reconnecting with your “why” brings clarity, motivation, and a sense of direction, especially during challenging seasons.

Meaning is fuel. Without it, even success feels empty.

Choose Optimism as a Daily Practice

Optimism isn’t denial. It’s not pretending everything is fine. It’s the decision to believe that effort matters and that progress is possible.

In 2026, pessimism will always be available. The news cycle, social feeds, and constant comparisons make it easy to assume the worst. Optimism, on the other hand, is something you practice deliberately, through what you pay attention to, what you amplify, and how you talk to yourself.

This means celebrating small wins, learning from setbacks instead of internalizing them, and staying open to possibility even when outcomes are uncertain. Optimism doesn’t eliminate difficulty, but it changes how you move through it.

Thriving isn’t about certainty, it’s about hope paired with action.

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Holiday Humor

Jaclyn Baker

By Collin King

Is laughter the best medicine? Probably not. Medicine is often the best medicine. But laughter can help! 

So, if you need a laugh this winter season, try these out.*

*Warning: High risk of cringe. Proceed with caution.

Why don’t penguins like talking to strangers?

They don’t want to break the ice. 

What’s Santa’s favorite kind of music?

Wrap!

What do you call a snowman with a six-pack?

An abdominal snowman.

What do elves use for online shopping?

A wrap-top computer.

How did the holiday wreath get his new job?

He was a well-rounded applicant. 

How was the reindeer’s performance at the comedy show?

She sleigh-ed it. 

Why was everyone worried about the snowman?

Because he had a meltdown last year.

What do you get when you cross a snowman and an angry dog?

Frostbite!

Why did the pine tree get promoted at work?

She was very tree-liable. 

Ok. Phew. You made it through. Good work, and happy holidays from your friends at Vista 🙂



Managing Seasonal Depression

Jaclyn Baker


By Claire Butcher

This article discusses self-harm and suicide. Please see a list of hotlines and resources below if you need to speak to someone. 

With the colder weather and limited sunlight, it’s essential to discuss the effects of seasonal depression. Our environment – including the weather around us- has a significant impact on our thoughts and mood. How we cope in the fall and winter is vital to managing seasonal depression. This article will discuss the prevalence, causes, signs, and tips on how to best manage “SAD”. 

What is Seasonal Depression, or “SAD”?

Seasonal depression entails essentially the same symptoms as “Major Depression”, but more concentrated around fall and winter months. People can experience the following:

  • Feeling more depressed or sad
  • Low energy/fatigue
  • Loss of interest in activities 
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Sleep difficulty
  • Appetite changes
  • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
  • Thoughts of wanting to hurt or kill yourself 

A U.S. survey conducted in the winter of 2024 shed light on the prevalence of seasonal depression. Around two in five Americans report their mood worsens in the winter, 29% describe their mental health as “falling back” due to the time change and lack of sunlight. More women than men experienced their mood declining in the winter (45% versus 37%). People living in more populated and urban areas are less likely to report a decline in mood than those who live more rurally. 

Causes

While we’re not sure of any one particular cause for SAD, theories suggest the following as being the main contributors to symptoms: 

  • Biological clock change – less sunlight shifts our mood, hormones, and circadian rhythm
  • Brain chemistry – sunlight helps us regulate our serotonin levels, a lack of sunlight can lead to these levels falling and us feeling more depressed
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Melatonin boost – levels can increase with lack of sunlight
  • Increased stress and anxiety

Navigating Symptoms

It can be daunting trying to navigate seasonal depression, in addition to holidays, travel, and family stress. Here are some tips to get through: 

  • Light therapy – special lamps can help mimic natural sunlight and ease symptoms
  • Stay connected with others – text, call, and meet with others regularly
  • Schedule things to look forward to, big or small
  • Therapy – professional mental health help can help us cope with depression, and recognize and change our patterns in thinking and behavior
  • Spend time outdoors
  • Move your body, even if just in small ways like walking or chair yoga
  • Vitamin D – consult with your doctor before beginning new supplements
  • Antidepressant medication 

How to Support Loved Ones with SAD

Similar to the common symptoms listed above, it’s important to watch out for the following in our loved ones: mood changes, lower energy, social withdrawal, changes in sleep and eating patterns, difficulty concentrating, lack of interest in activities, hopelessness. Our approach to supporting loved ones managing seasonal depression should be met with compassion, never judgement. Here are a few more tips:

  • Encourage open and honest communication on how they’re feeling and coping
  • Promote healthy habits, but avoid ‘quick fixes’ and pushing others to do things they may not be ready for
  • Check in frequently – understand that managing depression is not a ‘one and done’ situation
  • Encourage them to seek professional help such as talk therapy
  • Celebrate small wins – getting out of bed, taking a shower, or going for a walk are all achievements
  • Don’t push too hard, or take their depression symptoms personally

See this podcast episode with Dr. Kelly Rohan to learn more about SAD and ways to cope. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please see the resources below. 

Hotlines and Resources

References: 

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Yalda Night: An Ancient Celebration of Light, Connection, and Hope

Jaclyn Baker

By Nooshi Ghasedi

When we think of the holiday season in December, many of us naturally think of Christmas and Hanukkah. These celebrations are meaningful and deeply rooted for so many families. At the same time, this season is rich with other cultural traditions that may be less familiar but carry powerful messages of connection, hope, and resilience.

One of these traditions is Yalda Night, an ancient secular celebration that has been observed for thousands of years and continues to be honored by people of Persian heritage around the world today.

What Is Yalda?

Yalda, also known as Shab-e Yalda, is celebrated on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. It marks a turning point, when nights begin to shorten and days slowly grow longer again.

Yalda originated in ancient Persia and is considered one of the oldest continuously celebrated holidays in the world. Today, it is observed by Iranians and others of Persian cultural heritage.

At its heart, Yalda is about endurance and hope, connection and community, resilience and the triumph of light over darkness. 

The longest night of the year has long symbolized uncertainty and hardship. Yalda honors the belief that even in the darkest moments, light is on its way. The return of longer days represents renewal and the quiet assurance that difficult periods do not last forever. This symbolism resonates deeply for many people, especially during the winter months, when emotional heaviness, isolation, or grief can feel more present.

How Yalda Is Traditionally Celebrated

Yalda is typically celebrated by gathering with family and loved ones and staying awake together through the night. The focus is not on gifts or formal rituals, but on togetherness. By staying awake together, families symbolically “outlast” the darkness and welcome the return of light.

Common traditions include:

Sharing foods like pomegranates and watermelon, whose vibrant red color symbolizes life, vitality, and health.

Reading poetry, especially works by the beloved Persian poet Hafez, often used for reflection, meaning-making, and light-hearted seeking of guidance or insight

storytelling, dancing, and sharing traditions across generations.

Why Learning About Other Cultural Holidays Matters

While winter holidays differ across cultures and religions, many share common themes. Yalda, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other seasonal celebrations emphasize human connection, reflection, resilience, and hope. These shared values remind us that across cultures, people have long sought meaning and comfort during the darkest times of the year.

Learning about holidays like Yalda helps create a more inclusive and compassionate community. For some, it offers the comfort of being seen and recognized. For others, it opens the door to curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for traditions beyond their own. In mental health spaces, especially, acknowledging diverse cultural experiences supports belonging, respect, and emotional safety.

The winter season encompasses many meaningful traditions, each offering its own unique perspective on darkness, hope, and connection. By expanding our view of what this season encompasses, we create space for more stories, more voices, and a deeper shared humanity. This time of year invites reflection, warmth, and connection; and in its own quiet way, Yalda reminds us that even the darkest of times eventually give way to light.



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Closing the Year Gently

Jaclyn Baker
,

By Nooshi Ghasedi

As the year comes to an end, many of us feel an unspoken invitation to look back — to take stock, make sense of what’s passed, or decide how we should be different moving forward. But not every year offers clarity. 

Some years ask more of us than we have to give.

If this year felt heavy, scattered, or defined more by endurance than progress, you are not alone.

Reflection does not have to be an evaluation. It doesn’t need to involve judgment or self-correction. A gentler reflection simply asks us to notice the conditions we were living under — the stressors, losses, transitions, and uncertainties that shaped how we showed up.

When we look back with compassion, many of our choices begin to make sense.

Some seasons are not about growth or achievement. They are about surviving, getting through the day, or adapting in quiet, imperfect ways. Fatigue, unfinished goals, and emotional ups and downs are not failures; they are often signs of a system doing its best to cope.

As the year closes, it’s common to hold mixed emotions. Relief and grief, hope and weariness, gratitude and sadness. None of these cancel the others out – instead, we can learn to hold all these truths at the same time. 

You don’t need to resolve them or turn them into something positive. Letting them coexist is enough. If gratitude appears, it may be subtle: a moment of steadiness, a person who stayed, a boundary you held, or a part of yourself that didn’t give up. And if gratitude doesn’t feel accessible, that’s okay. Compassion does not require optimism.

Looking ahead, you are not required to reinvent yourself. You don’t need big goals or resolutions to honor the turning of the year. Sometimes the most meaningful intention is simply to move forward with a little more patience, honesty, and care.

You are allowed to close this year without fully understanding it. You are allowed to carry tenderness into what comes next. Change happens gradually, often before we realize it has begun.

Gentle Journaling Prompts

If you feel called, choose one and write briefly or reflect quietly:

  • What did it take for me to get through this year, and how did my responses make sense given what I was carrying?
  • What helped me steady myself — even in small, imperfect ways?
  • As I move into the next year, what do I want more of emotionally, and what can I offer myself to support that?

How to Listen To Your Worries

Jaclyn Baker

What if your worries weren’t working against you – but for you? So often, we see worry as something to fight, silence, or rise above. But in truth, worry can be one of the most honest parts of us. It points to what we value most deeply, what we want to protect, and where we crave clarity or change.

Instead of seeing worry as a sign of weakness, we can learn to listen to it with compassion. Even anxious thoughts can carry seeds of insight, such as an unmet need or a boundary being tested.

By pausing to listen, we open the door for more self-understanding and begin to transform unease into awareness. 

Recognize Worry as a Messenger

Often, our first instinct is to suppress a worry. But in doing that, we miss what it’s trying to communicate entirely. Worries can stem from our desires, whether that be safety, control, or clarity. Rather than taking the emotion from the thought, we can instead get curious. Asking, “What is this worry really addressing?” can help you stay calm and listen without resistance. 

Keep the Mind Grounded

Once we’ve identified what’s worrying us, the next step is to stay grounded. Writing down our worries can help us see them clearly for what they are; Journaling, recording voice notes, or even making quick lists can be proactive. It helps us process these thoughts more effectively and shift our minds from spiralling. It may also reveal aspects of our lives we want to strengthen or dive deeper into. 

Build Trust With Self-Compassion

Worry can thrive when trust in ourselves is missing. So, when we meet our worries with judgment and say things like, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” it only reinforces fear and shame. But when we meet these worries with kindness, we create safety within ourselves. Learning to breathe through the uncertainty and take things one mindful step at a time can make a difference. Compassion can build resilience.

Final Thoughts

Worry is not something we have to battle all the time, but something we can try to understand better. Taking the time to really listen to what our thoughts are pointing toward and responding with intention can turn our worries into tools for growth. The key is to meet them with patience, curiosity, and quiet confidence. The more we listen, the more we learn to move through life with awareness and grace.

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Choosing Unconditional Gratitude in Every Season

Jaclyn Baker

Gratitude usually comes easily when life feels good – when things are calm, exciting, or going the way we hoped. But the most powerful kind of gratitude isn’t based on perfect moments. 

Unconditional gratitude means finding appreciation even when life feels messy, overwhelming, or uncertain. It’s a gentle practice that helps you stay grounded, connected, and present through all seasons of life.

Here are a few simple ways to bring more unconditional gratitude into your daily routine.

Allow Yourself to Feel Everything

Unconditional gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring tough emotions. It simply means making space for gratitude to exist alongside them. Sometimes gratitude shows up as a small reminder that you’re growing. Other times, it comes from noticing a moment of calm in the middle of a busy day. The more you welcome every emotion without judgment, the easier it becomes to spot gratitude in unexpected places.

Notice the Little Things That Support You

Don’t wait for big moments to feel grateful; some of the most meaningful gratitude comes from everyday details. Whether it’s a kind message from a friend or a quiet break in the middle of the day to breathe. You can treat these moments as something worth noticing to make the days feel fuller and more connected. Try picking one small thing each day to appreciate—it can be simple, ordinary, or easily overlooked. Those tiny moments add up.

Practice Gratitude Without Looking for a Result

It’s easy to treat gratitude like a tool to “fix” your mood, but unconditional gratitude isn’t about forcing positivity. It’s about appreciating what’s real, without expecting anything in return. Take a moment each day to name one thing you’re grateful for (big or small) without judging whether it makes you feel better. Over time, this no-pressure approach helps gratitude feel natural rather than forced.

Final Thoughts

Unconditional gratitude is a slow, steady practice that grows with you. It doesn’t require perfect days or big breakthroughs – just a willingness to look for what’s meaningful in the moment you’re in. 

The more you practice noticing these small sparks of appreciation, the more grounded, peaceful, and connected you begin to feel.

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Giving Back

Darcy Knight

 

This month, our donations are dedicated to enhancing food security within our community. The current environment—marked by delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) distributions, persistent inflationary pressures on food prices, and the resultant, unprecedented strain on food banks—has made meeting basic needs increasingly challenging for many. We recognize that food banks are designed to serve as a secondary resource, not the primary safety net. To address this critical challenge, we are making targeted donations to local food banks in our area. We encourage those interested in contributing to this vital cause to follow the links provided below.  Additionally, our Portland team volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank, helping to pack over 12,000 pounds of food.
Oregon Food Bank (Portland)
Food For Lane County (Eugene)
The Giving Plate (Bend)

How to Keep Your Resolutions Rolling All Year

Jaclyn Baker

There’s something magical about January 1st. A clean slate. A fresh chapter. A moment where the entire world seems to pause and say, “Try again. You’ve got this.”

But as inspiring as the New Year feels, the challenge comes later — in the quiet, ordinary months where temptation, routine, and life pull us back into old patterns.

So how do you turn a once-a-year promise into a year-long practice? Surprisingly, it’s less about motivation and more about strategy, self-honesty, and the willingness to adapt.

Let’s break it down into simple, doable steps! 

Start With Realistic Confidence 

Belief in yourself matters. But the idea that sheer willpower will carry you through an entire year? That’s where many resolutions collapse.

Confidence helps you get started, but too much confidence can make you underestimate the challenges ahead. 

Instead of assuming you’ll “just do it,” set yourself up with structure, reminders, and support. Keeping your confidence realistic ensures you stay motivated without feeling defeated when things get tough.

Expect Slip-Ups and Prepare a Reset Plan

Imperfection is part of the process.
One of the biggest reasons resolutions fade is because people treat any slip as a failure. But expecting yourself to never miss a workout or never indulge is unrealistic. 

Build a “bounce-back strategy” before the year begins. Decide what you’ll do the first time you slip — maybe restart within 24 hours, take one small corrective action, or lean on an accountability partner. A lapse doesn’t derail your progress unless you let it.

Reduce Temptations Before They Overwhelm You

Temptations seem quiet now, but once you’re trying to make a change, they get loud. That couch will feel cozier, that dessert more irresistible, that old habit more familiar. 

Instead of fighting constant temptation, outsmart it. Pack lunches to avoid unhealthy food options, keep gym clothes in the car, remove triggers from your home, or change your routine to avoid old habits. Making your environment support your goals makes change easier.

Focus on Recovery, Not Perfection

Success comes from how quickly you get back on track.
Even the most disciplined people slip — what sets them apart is how fast they recover. If you binge one night, smoke one cigarette, or skip a week of workouts, don’t spiral. 

Reset early. Shortening the gap between the slip and the restart is what builds lifelong habits.

Final Thoughts 

Resolutions aren’t about proving perfection — they’re about showing up for yourself again and again, even when it’s inconvenient, unglamorous, or messy. 

This year, give yourself permission to be human, flexible, and resilient.
And remember, your resolutions don’t need perfection – they need commitment, compassion, and a willingness to try again.

And that’s something you can carry far beyond the new year.



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Practicing Gratitude During Hard Times

Jaclyn Baker

By Nooshi Ghasedi

When life feels heavy, gratitude often feels like the last thing we have access to. Clients and friends alike have shared their struggles with seeing the good during stressful times. When we are living in survival mode, gratitude can feel pressured or performative rather than heartfelt and authentic. 

This is a normal experience when life becomes overwhelming. But gratitude in difficult times isn’t about pretending everything is okay, and it’s not meant to dismiss the real suffering being experienced. It’s about anchoring ourselves to what is still holding us up when the ground beneath us feels unsteady. 

Practicing gratitude is not a bypass and does not ask us to shut down our emotions.

Instead, it offers us the space to experience our pain and recognize the beautiful things simultaneously. 

Gratitude creates more balance by offering a thread to hold onto, so we are not swallowed by the challenging moments. During difficult seasons when our perspective narrows, gratitude expands our emotional space. The brain is wired for protection and scans for danger, loss, and what’s going wrong. 

We are designed to recognize the negative around us for the purpose of survival, and gratitude gently widens that lens. This widening doesn’t resolve the situation, but it gives us more emotional room to breathe. And when we have just a little more room, we make decisions with more clarity. We’re more patient with ourselves and increase our access to hope. 

Small gratitude is still gratitude

Trying times demand that we scale things way down. Rather than seeking profound life lessons or epiphanies, taking baby steps and achieving small wins is the way to go. In times like these, gratitude may manifest as noticing the sun coming through your window in the morning, appreciating a friend’s text to check in, or simply being thankful for making it through a tough day. This is survival-level gratitude that can keep us moving forward one breath at a time.

Gratitude helps us stay connected

For many of us, hard moments often bring isolation, even when we’re surrounded by people. Gratitude can act as a spark of reconnection — to others, to ourselves, and to the pieces of life that are still nurturing us.

When we notice what we appreciate, we remember we are not completely alone in the struggle. Something or someone is still grounding us, and connection is one of the strongest antidotes to despair there is.

Gratitude strengthens our resilience

Resilience is not about being tough or pushing through. To me, resilience is the gentle process of finding ways to keep going without abandoning yourself. It’s creating greater tolerance to distress and being less likely to be completely derailed by difficulty.

Practicing gratitude during hard times slowly builds that resilience. It teaches the nervous system that even though this moment hurts, all is not lost. There is still some form of care, some glimmer of beauty, some thread of meaning that remains.

Practicing gratitude gently

If you are in a difficult season, start where you are.

* Naming one thing that softened the day

* Noticing one thing your body appreciates

* Appreciating a moment when you felt even slightly grounded

* Acknowledging one person who has shown up for you, even in a small way

These practices aren’t meant to erase your pain. They’re meant to hold you through it.

Why gratitude matters most in hard times

When life is easy, gratitude might flow more naturally. But when life is painful, gratitude becomes a lifeline.

It reminds you of your strength.

It reconnects you to meaning.

It helps you stay rooted when everything else feels unstable.

And maybe most importantly, it allows you to hold both truths:

“This is hard,” and “There is still something here for me.”

Both can be real at the same time. And both can guide you forward.



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Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance

Jaclyn Baker

By: Collin King, LPC

Each year on November 20, communities around the world observe the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) — a solemn occasion to honor the memory of transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. The day was first established in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to remember Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman murdered in Massachusetts in 1998. 

Given the increased risk of violence and discrimination against transgender and gender-diverse people, TDOR serves as an opportunity to acknowledge, honor, and uplift—often with a candlelight vigil—both the victims of anti-trans violence and the activists who have carried the torch for equality.

With this in mind, Vista would like to “light a candle” for the following individuals:

Sylvia Rivera (1951–2002) A Latina transgender activist who fought tirelessly for the rights of transgender and homeless people, Sylvia co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) alongside Marsha P. Johnson. Her outspoken advocacy laid the groundwork for inclusion within the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) A beloved figure in LGBTQ+ history, Marsha was a Black transgender woman and drag performer known for her role in the 1969 Stonewall uprising. She became a lifelong advocate for homeless queer youth, people living with HIV/AIDS, and transgender equality.

Lorena Borjas (1960–2020) Often called the “mother of the trans Latinx community” in New York City, Lorena dedicated her life to supporting immigrant trans women and sex workers. Her work in harm reduction and community outreach saved countless lives.

Cecilia Gentili (1972–2024) An Argentinian-American activist, storyteller, and advocate, Cecilia championed trans health care, sex worker rights, and immigrant justice. Her warmth, humor, and advocacy left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ movement.

Chanelle Pickett (1972–1995) A Black trans woman whose murder in Massachusetts sparked early activism around violence against trans people. Her case, like Rita Hester’s, underscored the urgent need for recognition and justice for trans victims.

Georgina Beyer (1957–2023) Hailing from New Zealand, Georgina made history as the world’s first openly transgender Member of Parliament. Her political and personal courage opened doors for transgender representation and equality in public life.

This TDOR, we encourage you to reflect on these figures. Their efforts, lives, and legacies have shaped a more inclusive world, strengthening the safety and visibility of queer and marginalized communities everywhere. Our families, workplaces, and societies are richer for their contributions.

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National Native American Heritage Month

Jaclyn Baker

Celebrating Oregon’s First Peoples — Past, Present, and Future

Each November, we observe National Native American Heritage Month — a time to honor the rich cultures, stories, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. Here in Oregon, that celebration has deep roots. Tribal nations have inhabited this land for centuries, shaping its ecology, languages, and traditional lifeways.

This month invites us to do more than acknowledge history. It encourages us to listen, learn, and connect — to understand better whose land we’re on, and how tribal communities continue to thrive, lead, and inspire.

Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes

There are currently nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon, with a total of more than 24,000 members. Several other federally recognized and non-recognized tribes also have traditional and customary lands in Oregon.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, more than 185,000 Oregonians identify as “American Indian or Alaska Native,” representing numerous other Tribes and bands from across the country. Portland, in particular, boasts the ninth-largest Urban Indian population in the United States.

These tribes are sovereign, meaning they have their own constitutions, laws, and governments, and play an active role in shaping Oregon’s future. Here’s a closer look at each of them

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

Located in northwest Oregon, near Salem, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde comprise over 30 tribes and bands, including the Kalapuya, Chinook, Molalla, Rogue River, and Umpqua peoples. These communities were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and resettled on the Grand Ronde Reservation in the 1850s. Today, the tribe is deeply involved in cultural revitalization and economic development. They operate the Spirit Mountain Casino and fund numerous community programs focused on education, language preservation, and healthcare. Tribal historian David G. Lewis is one of several cultural leaders helping to reconnect tribal members and the public with Grand Ronde history.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

This confederation represents 27 distinct tribes and bands that were relocated from across western Oregon and northern California. Based on the central Oregon coast, the Siletz people were among those affected by the 19th-century U.S. government policy of forced removal. Their reservation lands were severely reduced, but the tribe regained federal recognition in 1977. The Siletz Tribes are active in preserving their heritage through programs in language revitalization, traditional crafts, and annual cultural gatherings that honor shared traditions.

Coquille Indian Tribe

The Coquille people traditionally lived along the Coquille River in southwest Oregon. Like many tribes, they were terminated by the federal government in the 1950s, only to be restored in 1989. The Coquille Indian Tribe has since focused on land stewardship, healthcare services, and economic development through enterprises such as the Mill Casino. They maintain strong cultural programs to preserve language and intergenerational learning, and they continue to play a vital role in regional sustainability and forest management initiatives.

Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians

These three distinct tribal communities share ancestral lands along the mid-southern Oregon coast, from the estuaries near Coos Bay to the forests around Florence. They have worked to preserve their cultural practices and ecological knowledge in the face of displacement and marginalization. Today, they support language programs, environmental restoration efforts, and public education initiatives. Their tribal offices host events and workshops designed to reconnect tribal members with traditions of canoe building, shellfish gathering, and basket weaving.

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

Based around Roseburg in southern Oregon, the Cow Creek Band are stewards of the Rogue and Umpqua Valleys. Though they never signed a formal treaty with the United States, they were recognized as a sovereign nation in the 1980s. The tribe is recognized for its successful economic enterprises, including the Seven Feathers Casino and various regional investments. Their contributions to housing, health, and education have made them a model of tribal self-determination. They are also active in forest and watershed conservation.

The Klamath Tribes

Comprising the Klamath, Modoc, and Yahooskin-Paiute peoples, the Klamath Tribes live in south-central Oregon around Upper Klamath Lake and the Cascade Mountains. These tribes have deep spiritual and ecological connections to the land and water, particularly with fish species such as the C’waam and Koptu, which are central to their identity. After losing federal recognition during the termination era, the tribe was restored in 1986. Today, they are leading efforts in ecological justice and water rights, striking a balance between environmental protection and cultural survival.

Burns Paiute Tribe

The Burns Paiute Tribe is located in Harney County, within the high desert region of southeastern Oregon. Descended from the Wadatika band of the Northern Paiute, they have traditionally lived in mobile communities attuned to the rhythms of desert seasons. Today, the tribe operates social services, youth programs, and natural resource initiatives focused on restoring the sagebrush steppe. Cultural preservation is also a priority, with efforts to document language and strengthen ties to ancestral lands.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)

Near Pendleton in northeast Oregon, the CTUIR includes the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples. These Plateau tribes have long lived along the Columbia River, practicing salmon fishing, horsemanship, and seasonal gathering. The tribe is known for its leadership in salmon restoration and ecological advocacy, as well as the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, a center that shares tribal stories, art, and perspectives. CTUIR also runs a tribal newspaper, robust youth programs, and a tribal court system.

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Situated in central Oregon near the Cascade Range, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs include the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Northern Paiute bands. The reservation, one of the largest in the state, is known for its scenic beauty, strong cultural identity, and complex environmental challenges. The tribe has historically relied on river ecosystems for fishing and irrigation and continues to advocate for water rights and land protection. Warm Springs also supports cultural education programs and hosts annual powwows that draw visitors from across the region.

Suggested Reading on Oregon Tribal Histories

Want to go deeper? These books are a great place to start — whether you’re looking for personal stories, tribal histories, or cultural traditions:

Tribal Histories of the Willamette Valley by David G. Lewis

A beautifully written exploration of western Oregon tribal histories, blending oral traditions and historical research.

The People Are Dancing Again by Charles Wilkinson

A detailed history of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and their journey through termination and restoration.

Oregon Indians: Voices from Two Centuries by Stephen Dow Beckham

A mix of firsthand accounts and historical documents offering a wide view of tribal experiences across Oregon.

Coyote Was Going There edited by Jarold Ramsey

A collection of Indigenous stories and oral literature from Oregon’s many tribal traditions.

The First Oregonians (edited by Laura Berg)

Essays, maps, and artwork exploring Oregon Native history, culture, and resilience.

People of the River

A celebration of the Columbia River tribes through their artwork and creative traditions.

Closing Thoughts

National Native American Heritage Month is not just a history lesson. It’s an invitation to recognize that tribal communities are alive and thriving, right here and now. Their governments, languages, traditions, and cultural leadership continue to profoundly shape Oregon.

This month — and every month — is an opportunity to honor that legacy and take a step closer to understanding the full story of the land we inhabit.

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