First Advisor
Dr. Suzanne Estes
Date of Award
Summer 8-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Science and University Honors
Department
Urban Studies and Planning
Language
English
Subjects
Indigenization, Indigenous Knowledge, Rematriation, cultural ecosystem, climate catastrophe
Abstract
Since time immemorial Indigenous Peoples have resided in what is now named Portland of the Pacific Northwest in the Willamette Valley. For hundreds of years, this forested Land has been colonized, razed to stumps and covered in cement in order to build the urban landscape. Due to such destruction on a broad scale, we are experiencing the results of climate catastrophe. By finding ways to reclaim our relationship with Land and returning to Indigenous epistemologies, our urban landscape has the opportunity to shift towards restoration and prosperity. Indigenous plants have existed here, supporting humans in a reciprocal relationship, for thousands of years and they continue to do so. For example, Oak Savanna on the Portland State University’s campus is a block of Land which is home to a flourishing Indigenous biodiversity. This cultural ecosystem is becoming a thriving educational landscape representative of best environmental practices. Oak Savanna is resilient through drought and flood, requires little water (which saves resources and Metro planting funds), is home to increasing plant and animal biodiversity, provides covering which absorbs heat and sequesters carbon. There are extensive benefits in Indigenizing Portland State University’s landscape by expanding Oak Savanna throughout campus.
Recommended Citation
Herb, Ash, "Oak Savanna Expansion: Indigenizing PSU’s Landscape" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1913.
Included in
Indigenous Education Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons