In July 2007, leaders and representatives of 24 Native agencies in Portland, Oregon, gathered to talk about the severe under-counting of the Native population and how this created a level of invisibility in the Native community. For example, the lack of knowledge about the Native community and inaccurate demographic information can lead to inequitable funding. In addition to this challenge, the group knew that Native organizations in Portland often use different demographic data sets. Although this is often necessary, it only adds to an already complicated issue.

As a result, PILR created and maintains the Leading with Tradition document to continue to educate the extended community about our presence. The growing partnership among 24 organizations in the region serves the Native Community. The primary mission of PILR is to support Portland’s Native American Community by discussing and addressing issues impacting Natives in the greater Portland area.