News » Two City Mayors Travel to Wellpinit

The Spokane Tribal Business Council hosted historical visits to the Spokane Indian Reservation by two city mayors.

On January 23, 2006 Spokane City Mayor, Dennis Hession, Spokane City Council President, Joe Shogan and Spokane City Council Member, Mary Verner traveled to Wellpinit to learn more about the Tribe's West Plains Development. Following a formal discussion led by Tribal Chairman Greg Abrahamson, Spokane Tribal member Rick Mathews of Womer and Associates shared a presentation with the group highlighting the West Plains Master Plan. The Spokane Mayor and Council members also heard economic statistics that will significantly impact the region as a result of the development project.

Mayor Dennis Hession was very impressed with the long range goals of the Spokane Tribe. This visit was the first time that a Spokane City Mayor and Council members traveled to the Spokane Indian Reservation. During the historical meeting the Spokane Tribal Business Council took the opportunity to discuss issues that affect both Councils. Issues discussed included: The Spokane River, environment, health, employment and the need to keep communication open between the two government bodies.

Council President Joe Shogan was grateful that the Spokane Tribal Business Council took the time to invite the Spokane City Council and was encouraged by the open discussion.

Spokane Tribal Councilman Gerald Nicodemus stressed the fact that one of the Tribal Council's goals is to have a working relationship that will continue for generations to come.

The Airway Heights City Council and key members of their City Government also visited the Spokane Indian Reservation in January. Airway Heights City Mayor Matt Pederson traveled to Wellpinit with 5 of his fellow Council Members, City Manager, Clerk/Treasurer, Public Works Director and Airway Heights Community Development Director. Airway Heights city officials experienced the same West Plains Master Plan presentation and economic outlook as the Spokane Mayor.

Airway Heights Mayor Matt Pederson said he believes this meeting is a great starting point to understanding the needs of each others communities. He also said that the Airway Heights City Government acknowledges that the Spokane Tribe is a sovereign nation and he respects that fact. Pederson said the group came to the meeting with concerns about the Tribe's West Plains project but left the meeting feeling that both Council's can work together on all of the issues with a mutual solution. Mayor Pederson and his staff showed strong support of the Spokane Tribe and its West Plains development. Tribal Council members Dave Wynecoop, Rick Sherwood, Gerald Nicodemus, Warren Seyler and Chairman Greg Abrahamson wrapped up both meetings with a commitment to continue a successful government to government relationship with the city of Airway Heights and the city of Spokane.