The Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center is in Grande Ronde just a bit down from the casino (if you are heading to the coast) and on the right instead of the left.
It is not a large space, but there are areas for gathering, where you can tell it could play an important part for meetings and community.
The tribal office is located there too.
The building design is interesting, echoing some of the art and themes that you will find inside.
Permanent exhibitions give information about the land and traditional river paths and food ways.
This is a valuable resource for students and those interested in more natural diets.
We were there at the end of the Transgressors exhibition, focusing on Two Spirit artists.
There was a wide variety of artists and media.
Artists pulled from a mix of traditions to plumb the personal and profound.
Two things struck familiar chords.
One color palette and style was very familiar.
Sure enough, it was the work of Jeffrey Gibson, who'd had two installations -- They Come From Fire and To Name An Other -- at the Portland Art Museum in 2023.
https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2023/02/jeffrey-gibson-at-portland-art-museum.html
Then there was a reference to She-Who-Watches.
https://preservewa.org/most_endangered/tsagaglalal-she-who-watches-petroglyph/
It has been so many years since I have seen her; long before access was restricted. The impression remains vivid.
Because of that, I suppose it doesn't surprise me that she has a similar impression on others, but there is still a sense of connection in seeing it.
I am glad that we caught this particular exhibit, which is now on view at the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History (Go Ducks!):
https://mnch.uoregon.edu/transgressors
Chachalu is now showing My Ancestors Are Here, featuring the photographic meditations of Leland Butler, there through September 6th:
https://www.chachalu.org/exhibits/my-ancestors-are-here/
Art endures, but exhibits change.
COVID: While there are some open spaces around, the exhibits themselves are inside. It was not crowded but I did stay masked.
Accessibility: The navigation did seem pretty good to me. I will also add that while the staff was not pushy, they were very quick to answer any questions and offer resources, so if there are specific concerns I would not hesitate to ask.