Rooted in Place: Indigenous Language Revitalization in the Vernier Science Center

Cowlitz Coast Salish – Level B1

nákʷs: Greeting

cáqʷɬ: Wapato

Dillon Dobson is a proud Taidnapam Cowlitz father of two. He began studying his tribal language so he could pass down ancestral words, wisdom, and worlds to his children and has been one of his people’s ƛʼpúlmixq (Cowlitz Salish) Language Keepers since 2019. Dillon is grateful to his ancestors and elders who kept the fire going and to his relatives, mentors, and leaders for their inspiration and support. He is excited to see how that the next generation of ƛʼpúlmixq speakers will continue to breathe life into the language.

Chinook Wawa – Level 1

ɫax̣ayam shiksh: Greeting

lakámas: Camas

ḱanawi: Oregon White Oak

Greg Archuleta is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. He is descended from the Oregon City Tumwater and Clackamas Chinook, Santiam Kalapuya and Takelma and Shasta. He is a former administrator and policy and planning manager for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Today he works for the Tribe as the Cultural Policy Analyst in their Portland office. He works on enhancement, education and outreach activities related to tribal cultural resources. He also provides community based cultural arts classes related to traditional gathering, carving, Native art design, and basketry. These “Lifeways” classes have been on-going for almost 20 years. As an artist, he focuses on the Columbia River style art form.

Klamath – Level 2

waq'li'si: Greeting

Singular greeting

Group greeting

c'iyaal's: Salmon

Tana Atchley Culbertson is a proud citizen of the Klamath Tribes with Modoc, Paiute, and Karuk heritage. An Oregon native, she has devoted her career to serving Indigenous communities and building bridges between tribal and non-tribal organizations. Currently, Tana holds the position of Indigenous Community Coordinator for the City of Portland Parks & Recreation Department. Her previous role was Executive Director of Nesika Wilamut, an Indigenous-led network dedicated to promoting the health of the Willamette River through a social justice lens. 

With a wealth of experience in community engagement, program coordination, and network management, Tana has collaborated with numerous tribal organizations. Her experience includes significant roles at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. 

Tana's background in higher education administration includes positions at Portland State University, University of Oregon, and Lewis & Clark College. She is deeply passionate about youth engagement, workforce development, and creating opportunities for tribal members to safeguard their cultural and natural resources. 

Committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for Indigenous communities, Tana is also a mother of two curious, adventure-loving children. From her home in Forest Grove, Oregon, she actively works to promote understanding and connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Tana's personal mission extends to instilling a love for nature and cultural heritage in her children, blending her professional dedication with her role as a parent.

Clackamas Chinook – Level 3

it' u'dkdi wi'gʷa: Greeting

Íshkan: Western Red Cedar

Greg Archuleta is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. He is descended from the Oregon City Tumwater and Clackamas Chinook, Santiam Kalapuya and Takelma and Shasta. He is a former administrator and policy and planning manager for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Today he works for the Tribe as the Cultural Policy Analyst in their Portland office. He works on enhancement, education and outreach activities related to tribal cultural resources. He also provides community based cultural arts classes related to traditional gathering, carving, Native art design, and basketry. These “Lifeways” classes have been on-going for almost 20 years. As an artist, he focuses on the Columbia River style art form.

Athabaskan – Level 4

xaa-wan'-t'i: Greeting

ch'uu-'it: Juniper

Athena Rilatos is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and alumna of Portland State University’s Psychology and Master of Architecture programs. She served on the Vernier Science Center Student Advisory Board, which won the President’s Diversity Award in 2022. Employed by PLACE, she continues to contribute to Indigenizing PSU’s campus landscape through her work on the related ITECK Center capital project.

nimiipuutímt - Level 5

ta’c ‘éetx papáyn: Greeting

cemíitx: Mountain Huckleberry

Michele A. Pinkham identifies as a kiceysiiméey (Two Spirit, nimiipuu) from the alpowai and walwalma bands of the Nez Perce Tribe. Born and raised on the Yakama Indian Reservation, Michele moved to the Portland area in 2008 and is currently the Community Engagement & Development Director for NARA NW (Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc.). Michele is a 2S History Trainer and has presented on various Indigenous topics around the Pacific Northwest.

Michele serves on numerous BIPOC and Indigenous committees and coalitions revitalizing traditional practices, food sovereignty, disaster resiliency, and DEIJ, and works to bring awareness to the MMIR (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives) crisis and the induced generational trauma of Residential Schools. Often looked upon to provide cultural perspectives and guidance and to offer land blessings, Michele continues to create spaces for Indigenous visibility, inclusion, and knowledge.

Michele helped form NARA NW’s 2SCPSIT (Two Spirit Clinical Program System Improvement Team) and created the Annual wacamyos Pride Celebration to advocate for and uplift the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Michele currently lives in Vancouver WA and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, learning nimiipuutímt, beadwork, gardening, and attending powwows, concerts, and professional sporting events.

“I do this work so I can leave a safe and welcoming space for my grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the 7 generations that follow.”