In a monumental move for Indigenous rights and conservation efforts, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a historic agreement with nine Native American tribes on Friday, January 29, 2026. The agreement, known as the "Tribal Land Conservation Compact," grants the tribes greater control and management over their ancestral lands in the state.The compact, which has been in the works for several years, is a groundbreaking step towards recognizing the sovereignty and self-determination of Oregon's Native populations. Under the agreement, the tribes will have more say in how their lands are utilized and protected, including the ability to regulate hunting, fishing, and other activities on their territories.Governor Brown praised the agreement as a significant milestone in the state's efforts to honor the rights and traditions of Oregon's Native communities. "This compact represents a new era of partnership and collaboration between the state and our tribal nations," Brown said in a statement. "By empowering tribes to manage their ancestral lands, we are not only preserving important cultural and natural resources but also upholding our commitments to Indigenous peoples."The Tribal Land Conservation Compact is the result of years of negotiations and consultations between the state government and the nine tribes involved, which include the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, among others.Tribal leaders hailed the agreement as a significant step towards justice and reconciliation for Oregon's Native communities. "This compact gives us a voice in how our lands are used and protected, which is crucial for our cultural survival and wellbeing," said Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe. "We look forward to working hand in hand with the state to ensure that our lands are preserved for future generations."The Tribal Land Conservation Compact is set to go into effect immediately, with the tribes taking on greater responsibilities for managing and conserving their lands. The agreement is expected to pave the way for future collaborations between the state government and Indigenous communities in Oregon, setting a positive example for other states to follow in recognizing and upholding Native rights and sovereignty.
