In an unprecedented move to enact social change, Yale Union, a non-profit contemporary arts centre in Portland, Oregon, has announced that ownership of its building and the land it sits on will be transferred to the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF).

The initiative represents an historic act of repatriation to First Peoples of the United States of America. 

“Having been able to fulfil our mission through the unearned privilege of property ownership,” explained Flint Jamison, Board President of Yale Union, “it’s now time that we hand over the keys!”

Yale Union building was constructed on a plot of land which is the traditional homeland of several Native American tribes and other Indigenous peoples. Discussions to repatriate the building began in mid-2018 when Yale Union’s then Executive Director, Yoko Ott, met with Flint Jamison to review the potential for an arts organisation to propose ‘models of restorative social change’.

Following a feasibility study conducted by the NACF, it was agreed the transfer of the land and the Yale Union building to the NACF would take place in 2021. At the same time, Yale Union will dissolve its non-profit. 

“Together, the NACF board and staff believe that this free land and building transfer will set an example for recognizing the value of Native ownership of property in urban areas across the nation,” said NACF President/CEO Lulani Arquette.

NACF is a U.S. Native-led national organisation, committed to mobilising Native artists, culture bearers, communities, and leaders to influence positive social, cultural, and environmental change. 

“The potential for local community and national partnerships around shared interests through Indigenous arts and cultures is wide open,” said Arquette. “We stand united with all to reclaim Native truth, engage anti-racism and address important issues we face today”.

The property will become the new national headquarters for NACF and will be called the Center for Native Arts and Cultures (CNAC). It will continue to be a site of contemporary artistic and cultural production for Indigenous artists and local partnerships within the city of Oregon.

Photo: Yale Union Building at 800 SE 10^th Avenue, Portland, Oregon

Courtesy of Native Arts and Cultures Foundation