Native Community Highlighted at County Address

Multnomah County Chair Marissa Madrigal requested community member and NAYA Youth and Education Specialist Carlos McNair, Klamath and Modoc, to perform an honor song during Friday’s State of the County address. Her invitation of a Native performer to the event is an important moment in raising awareness of our community. Chair Madrigal’s speech began with a reference to the original inhabitants of the County: “When we say the name Multnomah, we invoke the name of a people – the first people to inhabit this land and the same people who live among us now, too often invisibly.” Carlos then joined Chair Madrigal onstage to sing and play a hand drum song, before the Chair discussed the future direction of County activities. Madrigal argued for a “smart” justice system, culturally-responsive services, and better mental health and educational support. Read the full speech here, or watch it below: