September 2026

Port of Bandon Commission Supports Transfer of Waterfront Property for

Na-So-Mah Memorial

 

BANDON, Ore. – The five members of the Bandon Port Commission have reached a unanimous decision to transfer title of the Na-So-Mah Memorial Garden to the Coquille Indian Tribe.  The Memorial Garden, established in 2011 in collaboration with the Coquille Indian Tribe, City of Bandon, and Southern Oregon University, marks the site of an original indigenous village. By facilitating this property transfer, the Port of Bandon recognizes that these sacred and historic grounds will be protected and celebrated for generations. 

 

“I am extremely pleased with the decision of our Port Commission to transfer title of the Na-So-Mah Memorial Garden to the Coquille Indian Tribe,” stated Port Commission President Reg Pullen.  “This ancient village site provides a unique opportunity for everyone to reflect on the deep history of this tribe and place.  It could never be built upon and is best held under tribal ownership.  We treasure our relationship with the tribe and pledge to work together in the future to protect the cultural history for the benefit of tribal members, residents of Bandon, and visitors to our community.”

          

Commissioner Lori McNamara-Osborne stated “As a Port Commissioner, I believe it is our duty to support actions that heal our community, respect Indigenous sovereignty, and honor the deep history of the Na-So-Mah people. I am proud to work in support of this transfer and to celebrate the rich, enduring influence of the Na-So-Mah legacy in Bandon. I am in full support of the transfer to honor the ancestral heritage of the Coquille Indian Tribe.”

 

This land transfer aligns with the Port’s ongoing commitment to public access, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation. 

 

Port Commissioners

 

Reg Pullen, President

Donny Goddard, Vice-President

Wayne Butler, Secretary-Treasurer

Don Starbuck, Position No. 5

Lori McNamara-Osborne, Position No. 1