We met our land access goal! Help us continue our work this Giving Tuesday
A historic 9.5 acres conserved under Black Oregon Land Trust will be stewarded and owned by Indigenous farmers and medicine keepers.
Looking out the window at the mountain this sunny, windy morning, I’m celebrating that just across the field from me, we’ve successfully protected 9.5 acres of gorgeous farmland to be stewarded, and then owned, by Indigenous farmers in our community, including Roberta Eaglehorse-Ortiz.
This is thanks to our generous private lender, in-kind donation of time and brilliance of Hope Beraka at Think Real Estate, and the incredible support from all of YOU. In just 4 days, we raised over $35k to close our last-minute funding gap — and we signed closing papers yesterday!
I’m humbled by and proud of this milestone, especially given we crossed the finish line 100% supported by community members like you: no foundations, institutions or banks.
The challenges we faced in arriving here showed us that despite progress in our public language around racial equity and land justice, placing land (power) directly in the ownership of Black & Indigenous stewards is often still considered a risk, a threat, or a pipe dream.
Thankfully, we see it differently — and so do you. Because of your support, a thriving hub for Indigenous food, education, culture, relationship building across difference, and climate-resilient farming will grow. We bow in gratitude.
This is not the end, but rather the beginning of relationship building and narrative changing across our communities here in Oregon. Please stay tuned for ways to engage with us in continuing the conversation and relationship building in the new year.
Support us in Continuing the Work this Giving Tuesday
While I’d love to end here, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you on Giving Tuesday to please continue to support BOLT’s operations.
As a young organization, projects outside our daily operations (including this acquisition) are done pro bono by our staff and board. With the majority of our funding coming from local foundations for specific programs, your discretionary dollars make all the difference in allowing this work to continue.
Your one-time and monthly donations go to support:
staffing & operational costs for our small-but-mighty team
infrastructure for land building projects, like our yurt classroom
land acquisition (we have a goal of an additional 85 acres conserved in 2025!)
May you take in the beauty of this land, the earth beneath your feet, and the creative brilliance of our collective hearts.
In gratitude and liberation,
Qiddist Ashé
P.S. To those who contributed to this land acquisition, stay tuned for opportunities in the Spring to gather with us on the land for a land blessing celebration! We honor your generosity and shared belief in this vision.