Oregon Senate marks 50 years of Native American legislative commission
Oregon lawmakers on Tuesday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Legislative Commission on Indian Services, which allows the state’s nine federally recognized tribes to advise on legislative matters. The Oregon Senate unanimously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 31 to honor the commission’s contributions since its 1975 founding, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
Chairman Gary Burke of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation opened the Senate session with a song in his Native language. Senate President Rob Wagner, the resolution’s sponsor, called on lawmakers to engage tribal communities with respect and to honor treaty obligations. The resolution now moves to the House for consideration.
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