Mt. Hood Territory's (Clackamas County Tourism) mission is to improve the quality of life for residents through tourism. A diverse, inclusive, and welcoming, destination relies on individuals and organizations, acknowledging and understanding that the racist history of the U.S. and Oregon deeply impacts the lived experience of our community members and visitors. Progress depends on individual and organizational change.
Community and tourism industry leaders on race, diversity, equity and inclusion generously shared the resources on this page. As you encounter resources valuable to you and your organization in building a diverse and inclusive destination, please share them. If you have questions or would like to talk more with Mt. Hood Territory about race, diversity, equity and inclusion in the tourism industry, please contact Samara Phelps at samara@mthoodterritory.com.
There are no upcoming trainings/opportunites at this time. If you have a resource you would like considered for addition to this page, email ithaca@mthoodterritory.com.
February is Black History Month. Clackamas County has compiled a resource page where you can find events, videos, information and support. This information is intended to help our community recognize and reflect on hundreds of years of Black heritage, history and achievements. Visit https://www.clackamas.us/news/2022-02-02/honoring-black-history-month-by-learning-from-our-past for more.
November is Native American Heritage month. The Willamette Valley Visitor Association provided a curated list of resources to expand our understanding of the history of the land and the culture of the Indigenous community. The resources are found here https://willamettevalley.org/indigenous-peoples-day/.
Clackamas County and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde held a celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day on Tuesday, 10/12/2021. You can view a recording of the celebration. During the celebration, the County shared its land acknowledgement. You can view the land acknowledgement, why land acknowledgements matter, and learn about some of the Tribal history of the area we call Clackamas County in the Clackamas County Land Acknowledgement Magazine.
Changing the Narrative for LGBTQIA Travelers
Destination Analysts hosted an LGBTQIA traveler panel on June 1, 2021.
"As Americans emerge from the pandemic and leisure travel begins to fully recover, the LGBTQIA traveler community is excited to travel more than ever and will be looking for destinations that will accept and welcome them with open arms. Simply put, 'Now is the right time to change the narrative and normalize the LGBTQIA experience.'"
Outdoor Access for All: Exploring Safety, Equity & Inclusion, May 26, 2021:
Friends of the Columbia River Gorge hosts a conversation in collaboration with Comunidades, Love is King, and People of Colors Outdoors—to explore the opportunities and challenges in ensuring equitable access for all to state parks and lands in the Columbia Gorge and beyond across both Oregon and Washington.
Destination Analysts: "American Travel Trends & A Conversation with LatinX Travelers," May 11 2021: Destination Analysts' update of coronavirus sentiments and travel insights will be followed by an important conversation with LatinX travelers. Explore their unique perspectives, personal experiences and how this impacts their future travel decisions.
Destination Analysts led a panel discussion of "A Current Pulse on Black Travel Perspectives" on April 11, 2021 as part of their travel consumer discussion series.
"Visit Fort Worth’s Director of Research, Lauren Phillips, led an enlightening discussion exploring how Black travelers’ unique perspectives and personal experiences impact present and future travel decisions."
On March 31, US Travel presented “Lessons on Race and Racism: AAPI Voices in the Travel Industry”, featuring AAPI travel colleagues discussing their experience navigating inclusivity in the travel industry and the U.S. as a whole.
Travel Oregon has hired an expert to help inform their strategies and work around equity and inclusion in Oregon's tourism space. To support DEI work in the tourism industry, Travel Oregon and ORLA (Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association) hosted "Leveraging Strategic Partnerships for Inclusion and Equity" webinar in July 2020.
In June 2020 US Travel Association hosted a two-part series around race and racism in the travel industry.
"U.S. Travel’s National Chair Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president & CEO, Destination DC moderates an important conversation about race and diversity within the travel industry and how we can work toward a more inclusive environment. This candid discussion provides personal perspectives on current events, looking specifically at how leaders of all backgrounds can make meaningful changes in the workplace to promote racial equality at all levels and set an example for future leaders within the travel industry."
Leading by Example: Lessons in Race and Racism
Lessons in Race and Racism: A Continued Discussion
Clackamas County's Equity and Inclusion Office offers support and resources to all county residents.
The County's equity and inclusion work includes the Leaders for Equity, Diversion and Inclusion Council (LEDIC), an advisory council that acts as liaison to the County on issues surrounding equity and inclusion. Meetings of LEDIC are open to the public, and are held the fourth Tuesday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30pm.
Resource Highlight: The Racial Equity Support Line is available for those experiencing the impacts of racism, to listen and offer resources as appropriate. The line can be reached at 503-575-3764, and is available weekdays 10am-7pm.
