Marta Lu Clifford is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, she is descended from the Chinook, and Cree. She is a native of Oregon and strives to always be a good caretaker of our Mother Earth. Marta is a Storyteller, actress, writer, student, mother, and Auntie to all. Marta is co instructor in the Native Theatre class at the University of Oregon under the direction of Professor Theresa May. She is also an instructor for the NAICS ARC class at UO, and is their Elder in Residence. Marta and Theresa May have created a Native Theatre group called illioo (joyful in the Kalapuya language), Theresa May and Marta are collaborating on the creation of a play called Bluejay’s Canoe. Marta works with Willamalane, City of Eugene, and city of Springfield as a Native Elder consultant, and is currently working on many projects with each group. One of the current projects is to focus on bringing more awareness to the Kalapuya Talking Stones and support a stewardship program for the stones.
Marta was awarded the 2023 City of Springfield Heritage Award as a History Maker. Marta considers it an honor to bring more awareness to The Kalapuya Peoples who were the original people of our homeland.
