Initiatives

Kalapuya Language Preservation

Esther worked with linguist Paul McCartney to record the Kalapuya language - resulting in a 4 volume Kalapuya-English dictionary.

Read or listen to the article on OPB here.

Read about the donation of the dictionary to the Nothwest Indian Language Institute (NILI) at the University of Oregon here.

Youth Camps

KCPA has been running camps for Indigenous youth for over 30 years, and developed the Yoncalla Indian Education program in Yoncalla, OR to create a space for local Indigenous youth and their families to preserve their cultural traditions. Learn more here.

Kalapuya Cedar Dugout Canoe

KCPA consulted on the construction of a Gudakut - the traditional Kalapuya cedar dugout canoe - the first one built in over 150 years.

Read more about the canoe building process here.

Whilamut Passage Bridge

Esther consulted on the design and construction of the Whilamut Passage bridge on I-5 near Springfield, OR.

Read more about the Whilamut Passage Bridge project here.

Eugene Parks and Open Space Talking Stones

KCPA consulted on the design of the Whilamut Natural area, including 20 talking stones that highlight Kalapuya words for local ec

Read more about the talking stones project here.

Tribal Lands and Environment Forum

KCPA member and Cha Tumenma Land Manager Shannin Stutzman gave the keynote address at the Tribal Lands and Environment Forum, the largest gathering of Indigenous natural resource professionals in the country.