News » Tribe Participates in Mayoral Inauguration

Mary Verner, New Mayor of Spokane

 The beat of the drum, songs from generations past, Firefighters Color Guard posting the colors, and a beautiful song from the heart of a daughter were highlights during the inauguration ceremony of Mary Verner as the city of Spokane’s newest Mayor.
On November 27, 2007 a former employee of the Spokane Tribe and Director of the Upper Columbia United Tribes was sworn in as the 43^rd Mayor of Spokane, Washington.

The Spokane Tribe was an active partner throughout the inauguration ceremonies. Spokane Tribal Chairman Rick Sherwood was the evening’s master of ceremonies. Several hundred people gathered within the city’s Spokane Convention Center for the ceremony including Tribal Council Representatives from the Coeur d’Alene and Colville Tribes.

The ceremony opened with traditional songs from the Conrad Pascal family drum. Pauline Flett shared an opening prayer and words of praise for Mary to the audience. Mayor Mary Verner told the crowd, “I am tremendously grateful for this opportunity. I take my place in support of my city. I submit myself to service to you the members of my community and I look forward to serving you as your mayor.” Verner also thanked the Spokane Tribe and its representatives for helping make the ceremony a memorable event.

Many community members may remember Mary Verner as an active member of the Wellpinit community. She came to Wellpinit in 1992 after being offered a position with the Tribe’s Department of Natural Resources. During the Mayoral transition, Verner has since resigned as Director of UCUT.