Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Amelia Pacheco, a CIIO member, adds her perspective as a Purépecha interpreter: “A lot of interpreters are very skilled, but the system doesn’t recognize their expertise because they lack a formal certification. Agencies often assume Spanish interpreters can do the same job, and schools or organizations refuse to pay fair rates for Indigenous language services.” This misunderstanding has serious consequences. Amelia recalls working with a father who violated a court order because legal obligations had been explained to him in Spanish—a language he didn’t fully understand.To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.
CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]The challenges for Indigenous interpreters are significant. Many Indigenous languages don’t have a written form or standardized certification programs. “Guatemala has 22 Indigenous languages and each has its own variations,” Puma explains. “Testing for proficiency is nearly impossible, but that doesn’t make these languages any less important.”Amelia Pacheco, a CIIO member, adds her perspective as a Purépecha interpreter: “A lot of interpreters are very skilled, but the system doesn’t recognize their expertise because they lack a formal certification. Agencies often assume Spanish interpreters can do the same job, and schools or organizations refuse to pay fair rates for Indigenous language services.” This misunderstanding has serious consequences. Amelia recalls working with a father who violated a court order because legal obligations had been explained to him in Spanish—a language he didn’t fully understand.
To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.
CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]When Puma moved to Oregon, he brought this passion with him. Now, he works tirelessly to support interpreters and advocate for systemic changes. “This work isn’t just about words—it’s about making sure people are seen and heard,” he says.The challenges for Indigenous interpreters are significant. Many Indigenous languages don’t have a written form or standardized certification programs. “Guatemala has 22 Indigenous languages and each has its own variations,” Puma explains. “Testing for proficiency is nearly impossible, but that doesn’t make these languages any less important.”
Amelia Pacheco, a CIIO member, adds her perspective as a Purépecha interpreter: “A lot of interpreters are very skilled, but the system doesn’t recognize their expertise because they lack a formal certification. Agencies often assume Spanish interpreters can do the same job, and schools or organizations refuse to pay fair rates for Indigenous language services.” This misunderstanding has serious consequences. Amelia recalls working with a father who violated a court order because legal obligations had been explained to him in Spanish—a language he didn’t fully understand.
To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.
CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]“The Collective is really about giving a voice to those who’ve been overlooked,” says Puma Tzoc, CIIO’s Senior Director. For Puma, this work is personal. Back in New York in 2010, a friend asked him to help interpret for an Indigenous migrant who had been recently detained. Fluent in K’iche’, Puma stepped in, and within four days, the person was released. That moment changed Puma’s life and showed him that interpreting has the power to create opportunities for justice.When Puma moved to Oregon, he brought this passion with him. Now, he works tirelessly to support interpreters and advocate for systemic changes. “This work isn’t just about words—it’s about making sure people are seen and heard,” he says.
The challenges for Indigenous interpreters are significant. Many Indigenous languages don’t have a written form or standardized certification programs. “Guatemala has 22 Indigenous languages and each has its own variations,” Puma explains. “Testing for proficiency is nearly impossible, but that doesn’t make these languages any less important.”
Amelia Pacheco, a CIIO member, adds her perspective as a Purépecha interpreter: “A lot of interpreters are very skilled, but the system doesn’t recognize their expertise because they lack a formal certification. Agencies often assume Spanish interpreters can do the same job, and schools or organizations refuse to pay fair rates for Indigenous language services.” This misunderstanding has serious consequences. Amelia recalls working with a father who violated a court order because legal obligations had been explained to him in Spanish—a language he didn’t fully understand.
To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.
CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Established in Portland as a non-profit since 2018, Pueblo Unido has become a lifeline for Oregon’s migrant communities, providing legal and social services navigation, community engagement, and their standout program, the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon (CIIO), which launched in 2020. Today, CIIO’s 36 interpreters serve 16 Indigenous languages from Mexico, Central and South America, including Mixteco, Mam, Q’anjob’al, and K’iche’. But their mission goes beyond interpretation—it’s about breaking down cultural barriers and ensuring dignity and understanding for all.“The Collective is really about giving a voice to those who’ve been overlooked,” says Puma Tzoc, CIIO’s Senior Director. For Puma, this work is personal. Back in New York in 2010, a friend asked him to help interpret for an Indigenous migrant who had been recently detained. Fluent in K’iche’, Puma stepped in, and within four days, the person was released. That moment changed Puma’s life and showed him that interpreting has the power to create opportunities for justice.
When Puma moved to Oregon, he brought this passion with him. Now, he works tirelessly to support interpreters and advocate for systemic changes. “This work isn’t just about words—it’s about making sure people are seen and heard,” he says.
The challenges for Indigenous interpreters are significant. Many Indigenous languages don’t have a written form or standardized certification programs. “Guatemala has 22 Indigenous languages and each has its own variations,” Puma explains. “Testing for proficiency is nearly impossible, but that doesn’t make these languages any less important.”
Amelia Pacheco, a CIIO member, adds her perspective as a Purépecha interpreter: “A lot of interpreters are very skilled, but the system doesn’t recognize their expertise because they lack a formal certification. Agencies often assume Spanish interpreters can do the same job, and schools or organizations refuse to pay fair rates for Indigenous language services.” This misunderstanding has serious consequences. Amelia recalls working with a father who violated a court order because legal obligations had been explained to him in Spanish—a language he didn’t fully understand.
To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.
CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Partner Spotlight
Pueblo Unido and
Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon
Most Latino migrants arrive in the U.S. speaking only Spanish, but there’s another group of migrants whose voices often go unheard: those who speak Indigenous languages. For them, navigating a world that doesn’t understand their language, culture, or experiences can feel impossible. This struggle is especially true for Indigenous migrants in Oregon, where their native languages and rich cultural histories are frequently overlooked, leaving them voiceless in critical spaces like schools, hospitals, and courts. That’s where Pueblo Unido and Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon (CIIO) step in, providing vital language services and advocating for fair pay and recognition for Indigenous interpreters.
Established in Portland as a non-profit since 2018, Pueblo Unido has become a lifeline for Oregon’s migrant communities, providing legal and social services navigation, community engagement, and their standout program, the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon (CIIO), which launched in 2020. Today, CIIO’s 36 interpreters serve 16 Indigenous languages from Mexico, Central and South America, including Mixteco, Mam, Q’anjob’al, and K’iche’. But their mission goes beyond interpretation—it’s about breaking down cultural barriers and ensuring dignity and understanding for all.
“The Collective is really about giving a voice to those who’ve been overlooked,” says Puma Tzoc, CIIO’s Senior Director. For Puma, this work is personal. Back in New York in 2010, a friend asked him to help interpret for an Indigenous migrant who had been recently detained. Fluent in K’iche’, Puma stepped in, and within four days, the person was released. That moment changed Puma’s life and showed him that interpreting has the power to create opportunities for justice.
When Puma moved to Oregon, he brought this passion with him. Now, he works tirelessly to support interpreters and advocate for systemic changes. “This work isn’t just about words—it’s about making sure people are seen and heard,” he says.
The challenges for Indigenous interpreters are significant. Many Indigenous languages don’t have a written form or standardized certification programs. “Guatemala has 22 Indigenous languages and each has its own variations,” Puma explains. “Testing for proficiency is nearly impossible, but that doesn’t make these languages any less important.”
Amelia Pacheco, a CIIO member, adds her perspective as a Purépecha interpreter: “A lot of interpreters are very skilled, but the system doesn’t recognize their expertise because they lack a formal certification. Agencies often assume Spanish interpreters can do the same job, and schools or organizations refuse to pay fair rates for Indigenous language services.” This misunderstanding has serious consequences. Amelia recalls working with a father who violated a court order because legal obligations had been explained to him in Spanish—a language he didn’t fully understand.
To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.
CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.
Partner Spotlight
Pueblo Unido and
Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon
Most Latino migrants arrive in the U.S. speaking only Spanish, but there’s another group of migrants whose voices often go unheard: those who speak Indigenous languages. For them, navigating a world that doesn’t understand their language, culture, or experiences can feel impossible. This struggle is especially true for Indigenous migrants in Oregon, where their native languages and rich cultural histories are frequently overlooked, leaving them voiceless in critical spaces like schools, hospitals, and courts. That’s where Pueblo Unido and Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon (CIIO) step in, providing vital language services and advocating for fair pay and recognition for Indigenous interpreters.
Established in Portland as a non-profit since 2018, Pueblo Unido has become a lifeline for Oregon’s migrant communities, providing legal and social services navigation, community engagement, and their standout program, the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon (CIIO), which launched in 2020. Today, CIIO’s 36 interpreters serve 16 Indigenous languages from Mexico, Central and South America, including Mixteco, Mam, Q’anjob’al, and K’iche’. But their mission goes beyond interpretation—it’s about breaking down cultural barriers and ensuring dignity and understanding for all.
“The Collective is really about giving a voice to those who’ve been overlooked,” says Puma Tzoc, CIIO’s Senior Director. For Puma, this work is personal. Back in New York in 2010, a friend asked him to help interpret for an Indigenous migrant who had been recently detained. Fluent in K’iche’, Puma stepped in, and within four days, the person was released. That moment changed Puma’s life and showed him that interpreting has the power to create opportunities for justice.
When Puma moved to Oregon, he brought this passion with him. Now, he works tirelessly to support interpreters and advocate for systemic changes. “This work isn’t just about words—it’s about making sure people are seen and heard,” he says.
The challenges for Indigenous interpreters are significant. Many Indigenous languages don’t have a written form or standardized certification programs. “Guatemala has 22 Indigenous languages and each has its own variations,” Puma explains. “Testing for proficiency is nearly impossible, but that doesn’t make these languages any less important.”
Amelia Pacheco, a CIIO member, adds her perspective as a Purépecha interpreter: “A lot of interpreters are very skilled, but the system doesn’t recognize their expertise because they lack a formal certification. Agencies often assume Spanish interpreters can do the same job, and schools or organizations refuse to pay fair rates for Indigenous language services.” This misunderstanding has serious consequences. Amelia recalls working with a father who violated a court order because legal obligations had been explained to him in Spanish—a language he didn’t fully understand.
To address these challenges, Pueblo Unido, CIIO partnered with Oregon Worker Relief (OWR) in 2022 to create the RIO Fund, which has been a game-changer for Indigenous interpreters and the communities they serve. This fund ensures Indigenous interpreters are paid fairly and that their services remain accessible to the community. It also helps develop evaluation tools tailored to Indigenous languages, recognizing skills that traditional systems overlook.
CIIO also focuses on educating service providers and teaching organizations how to work with Indigenous communities and reimbursing interpreters for past unpaid work. “If interpreters provided services without payment, they can apply for reimbursement through the RIO Fund,” Puma explains. “It’s about making things right.”
Since many Indigenous languages are oral, CIIO creates videos and audio recordings to share information with the community. “Our history has always been passed down through storytelling,” Puma says. “It’s the most natural way to connect with our communities.”
For Puma, Amelia, and everyone at Pueblo Unido, this work is about more than interpretation. “It’s about dignity,” Puma says. “It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive and making sure no one gets left behind.”
“It’s not just about the languages we speak—it’s about who we are,” Amelia adds. “This work gives us a voice, and that changes everything.”
Pueblo Unido’s partnership with OWR’s through the RIO Fund and the work of the Collective of Indigenous Interpreters of Oregon are breaking down language barriers and building a more inclusive Oregon where everyone has the resources to thrive and every voice is heard.