I have important news to share. After discussing with my family and considering the Trust’s favorable position, marked by the signing and progression of our Agreement with Portland General Electric for due diligence, I decided that now is the opportune moment to make way for a new leader to guide Willamette Falls Trust into its next chapter.
This transition aligns with the Trust's initiation of a new phase in its work and offers an occasion to reflect on our accomplishments over the past five years!
In those five years –
We have ensured all voices with a connection to the Willamette Falls have a meaningful role in decision-making. Four Tribes are now represented on our Board of Directors: The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. With this representation, each Tribal Council of each respective tribe has granted the Trust the tremendous responsibility of representing their sovereign interests at Willamette Falls. This is significant progress from the volunteer Advisory Board that was in place when we got started.
Notably, we possess a talented, diverse staff team that is majority Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, who provide multiple perspectives and ideas to this project.
We have identified the premiere way for the public to access Willamette Falls. After its dissolution, we picked up and realized the promise of the Legacy Project while securing the vision of the many Tribes with cultural and legal ties to Willamette Falls, which has been hidden away for over a century by increased privatization. Our Agreement with Portland General Electric reflects this accomplishment and sets the groundwork for a clear pathway to securing public access to the Falls.
We have secured millions of dollars of public and private support to realize the vision of public access to Willamette Falls. Through coalition-building, we have established public and private partnerships aligned with philanthropic investment, providing detailed direction for the next generation at Willamette Falls. This vision encompasses public access, environmental restoration, and culturally engaging activities. We have successfully generated momentum to support this vision, transitioning into the implementation phase.
All of us at the Trust are fully committed to finding the right leader for our organization. And at the Board’s request, I will remain in my role throughout the search process and contribute to the onboarding of the new President. Our goal is to have the new leader in place by June. To that end, we have engaged with Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group to conduct the executive search, ensuring a comprehensive process and competitive pool of candidates. You can find more information about the job posting here should you or anyone you know be interested in applying for this important role.
We are excited for transformation, taking concrete steps to establish public access at Willamette Falls, both now and for generations to come, turning our collective visions into reality.
All the very best,
Andrew
President
Statement from Willamette Falls Trust Board Chair
As a leader and delegate of the Confederate Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and as a dedicated community advocate, I am thrilled to express my enthusiasm for the upcoming transition in leadership at the Willamette Falls Trust. The appointment of a new President signifies an exciting chapter for our community and the ongoing efforts to enhance access, restoration, and engagement at Willamette Falls.
The Trust has been an essential partner in our collective journey to preserve our cultural heritage and strengthen our connection to this sacred place. With this transition, we anticipate fresh perspectives and renewed energy that will further elevate the Trust’s mission. I extend my gratitude to the outgoing President, Andrew Mason, for his significant contributions and look forward to supporting and collaborating with the incoming leader.
Together, let us embrace this moment of change and continue working hand in hand to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for Willamette Falls and our communities.
