The Estuary Partnership is dedicated to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in our programs, in the environmental field, and in our broader communities. DEI is fundamental to our mission.
We recognize the historical imbalance of power, representation and perspectives has disproportionately harmed people of color, indigenous people, women and low-income communities. In order to protect and restore the lower Columbia, the Estuary Partnership understands that the long-term health of the river is inextricably linked to these communities and in recognition of that to amplify the voices and experiences of the diverse communities of the Basin. This will make us a more responsive, resilient, and vibrant organization.
The health of the Columbia River will only be sustained if all communities, all people, are equitably part of its care. Many people experience discrimination because of their race, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, and income, to name only a few. We at the Estuary Partnership recognize our role in perpetuating this discrimination. The intersection of our mission to protect the Columbia River and environmental equity is reshaping the way we do our work. We are committed to changing these injustices.