We acquired a 9.5 acre farm property for Indigenous farmer stewardship and ownership!

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.

Read the full letter on our substack: https://blackoregonland.substack.com/p/we-met-our-land-back-goal-help-us?r=17t0op