01/31/2026
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On September 7th, Depave a group that, “transforms paved places into community greenspaces” and Portland Indigenous Marketplace (PIM), a nonprofit that, “supports Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces that encourage cultural resilience and economic sustainability by promoting public education through cultural arts” unveiled their design for the PIM headquarters at 737 SE Sandy Blvd in Portland, Oregon. Klamath Tribes member, Rowena Jackson, was among the artists collaborating on the project and was honored as a visionary and community celebrity at the "The Photobooth For The Future" fundraising event, where the design was unveiled.
The design submitted by Jackson features the c’waam, the scientific name Deltistes luxatus. The c’waam is a fish found only within the Upper Klamath Basin and is a federally recognized endangered species. These fish hold cultural significance to the Klamath Tribes, are a vital part of the ecosystem. They were also once a key part of the Klamath Tribes’ diet.
When discussing the design, Jackson said, “It all stems from the prayer.” Jackson says of being called on for projects, “I made an agreement with our fish.” She described waking up at 3 am and designing the fish. To accompany the design she also wrote a poem, and attended a rally to protect the c’waam and koptu. “It’s not me, I’m just a messenger–an advocate for our fish relatives,” Jackson added. Jackson wants people to see the c’waam and koptu as beautiful.
According to a post by Portland Indigenous Marketplace, the selected designs “honor not only Native artists but together the vision honors the Native and Natural history of the site.”
Photo Credit: Eben Waggoner, taken at a fundraiser for Portland Indigenous Marketplace Sep 7th, 2025 "Photobooth for the Future" where Rowena was one of the "Community Celebrities.”
