The Blueprint Foundation works to bring Black youth into environmental science with activities across the board – hiking, camping, science, engineering. Over the coming year, Blueprint’s BIPOC youth and undergraduate peer mentors will engage in field activities, including conducting air and water quality monitoring in and around the Portland Harbor Superfund site. They’ll also expand their Portland Harbor education, stewardship, and STEAM education. Read more online here.
Ecotrust impacts Portland Harbor through its work with Green Workforce Academy, a jobs and leadership training program in partnership with Blueprint Foundation, Native American Youth and Family Center, Self Enhancement, Inc., and Wisdom of the Elders. They offer paid internships in the green workforce economy, with more information on Portland Superfund cleanup processes and jobs. Find out more online here.
ELSO provides culturally relevant science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics programs for kids and young adults. Camp ELSO is beloved for their unforgettable activities, tied into what they call “a J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) lens.” Check out their Wayfinding Camp, Spring Break Camp, and the Tappin Roots teen internship program. More online here.
For Pacific Islander communities, Living Islands is an information hub for cross-cultural education and awareness on health and other crucial issues. They run an education program on safer fishing practices called “GoFish PI,” covering the Lower Willamette Fish Advisory against toxic fish. Find out more about their work online here.
The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership brings together education, conservation, testing and advocacy – their name sounds dull but their work is amazing. Their new project is hiring and training BIPOC interns to lead kayak canoe trips for Portland Harbor activists and volunteers. Find out more about them here.
Nesika Wilamut is an Indigenous-led organization currently working in habitat restoration, but also in community education. More here.
Pacific Northwest Council of Water Protectors
Pacific Northwest Council of Water Protectors is a coalition of Indigenous and non-Indigenous supporters moving forward the activist vision that emerged from the Standing Rock protests several years ago.Their focus is on Medicine Gathering, Portland Harbor riverbank cleanup, and Water Blessing for Indigenous communities.Learn more about them on their website, here.
People of Color Outdoors/Columbia Slough Watershed Council
People of Color Outdoors was started years ago by local residents who wanted to inspire more youth of color to explore the outdoors through skiing, hiking and more. This coming year, PCO and the Council plan an interactive learning series for BIPOC community members with environmental scientists, environmental remediation professionals, river-dependent industries, and employers. Find out more online here.
Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group
The Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group helps local residents and organizers plug into federal and state policy processes that can seem confusing or intimidating. Especially through educational projects and direct advocacy. Currently, they’re developing the River Education Center and associated programming at Green Anchors, on the riverfront of the Portland Harbor. Find out more about them online here.
Portland Harbor Community Coalition
With a grant from the city of Portland, the Portland Harbor Community Coalition Is collaborating with tribal representatives and Indigenous Mayan community members to organize a culturally inclusive water ceremony along Portland Harbor. They will also work with organizational partners and youth to co-create an interactive educational workshop and field trip to increase awareness and interest in Portland Harbor, the river, Lower Willamette Fish Advisory, and safe fishing practices. Find out more on their website, here.
