Indigenous Community Liaison

Overview

Position Title:

Indigenous Community Liaison

Reports to:

Executive Director

Status:
Non-exempt, part-time, permanent position (20 hours/week); full-time during the Wallowa Gathering event period (approximately three to four weeks or more in late spring/early summer)

Location:

Hybrid; remote work with regular travel to Wallowa County, Oregon

Compensation: $25–$35/hour DOE. Limited part-time benefits included.

BACKGROUND:
Wallowa Land Trust (WLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Enterprise, Oregon. Founded in 2004, our mission is to protect the rural nature of Wallowa Country by working cooperatively with private landowners, Indigenous people, local communities, and governmental entities to conserve land. Working with Indigenous people is a core element of WLT’s mission and strategic plan. In addition to conservation easements and land stewardship, WLT has been actively engaged in land return projects, supporting the return of lands to Indigenous ownership and stewardship where appropriate and desired by Tribal partners.

This work reflects a commitment to Tribal sovereignty, long-term relationship-building, and conservation approaches that center Indigenous leadership and priorities. One of Wallowa Land Trust’s keystone initiatives, the Wallowa Gathering, began in 2019 as a way to bring Native people together to practice Indigenous lifeways on private lands in Wallowa County. For six years, the Gathering has connected tribal members with landowners to support access for ceremony and the gathering of First Foods and medicines.

This work is rooted in the understanding that when feet touch the earth, foods are gathered, languages are spoken, songs are sung, and plant and animal relatives are honored, health and healing can be restored to the land and its people.

WORKING TO PROTECT THE RURAL NATURE OF WALLOWA COUNTY

Wallowa Land Trust seeks an Indigenous Community Liaison to support Indigenous-focused programs and strengthen relationships between tribal communities, private landowners, and partner organizations. Working with Indigenous people is a core element of WLT’s mission and strategic plan, and this position plays an important role in advancing that commitment. This position operates within WLT’s broader organizational commitment to Tribal engagement and collaboration, grounded in respect for Tribal sovereignty, early and ongoing engagement, transparency of intent, and relationship-based decision-making.

The Indigenous Community Liaison supports and nurtures existing relationships and helps expand them thoughtfully, as part of a shared, organization-wide responsibility rather than serving as the sole relationship-holder. The Indigenous Community Liaison works closely with the Executive Director and other staff to plan, coordinate, and support culturally grounded programs, with particular responsibility for the annual Wallowa Gathering. This role requires the ability to work independently, communicate respectfully across cultures and communities, and help ensure that engagement is consistent, well-coordinated, and aligned with organizational values and policies.

Much of the work may be performed remotely; however, regular travel is required to Wallowa County and to locations where descendant communities reside, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), and the Confederated Colville Tribes (CCT). Flexibility, cultural awareness, and comfort with seasonal and event-based work rhythms are essential.

• Wallowa Gathering Planning & Coordination
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for tribal members participating in the Wallowa Gathering
  • Coordinate planning in collaboration with tribal participants, WLT staff, board members, landowners, and partner organizations
  • Manage event logistics before, during, and after the Gathering, including food, lodging, transportation, supplies, accessibility, and record-keeping
  • Conduct site visits, mapping, and assessments related to plant species, readiness, and accessibility
  • Provide on-site support for up to 200 participants from CTUIR, NPT, and CCT
• Relatio…