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HISTORY

The History of the Spokane Tribe of Indians

The Spokane Tribe of Indians ancestors inhabited much of northeastern Washington which consisted of approximately 3 million acres. At times they extended their hunting, fishing, and gathering grounds into Idaho and Montana. They are one of the Interior Salish speaking tribes, others include: the Coeur d’ Alene, Kalispel, Colville, San Poil, Nespelem, Okanagan, Lakes, the Shuswap of Canada and the Pend Oreille and Salish of the Flathead reservation.

Spokane ancestors were a river people, living a semi-nomadic way of life hunting, fishing, and gathering all creator had made available to them. Living along the banks of the Spokane and Columbia rivers and scattered up the tributaries. Their primary diet consisted of what was taken from the water ways in the form of salmon, steelhead, eel, and shellfish which made up 60% of their diet.

In 1858, with no treaty established or adequate communications from the Federal Government, the Spokane’s defended their families and country as U.S. soldiers marched through their country.

In 1881, President Rutherford B. Hayes formerly established the Spokane Indian Reservation of approximately 154,602 land acres known as Chief Lot’s reservation.

In 1887, the Upper and Middle Spokanes signed an Agreement to move to the Coeur d’Alene, Jocko (Flathead) or Colville reservations; ultimately some did move to the Spokane reservation.

In 1951, the Spokane Tribe officially became one of 574 recognized tribal governments within the United States following the passage of their formal Constitution that governs them today.

Today the Spokane Tribe of Indians primary government operations are located in Wellpinit Washington with a citizen population of approximately 2,900 enrolled members.

Spokane Tribe Preservation Program Spokane Tribe Language Program
  • seven Tribal members in old photo
  • Tribal dance
  • Spokane Tribe history photo by river
  • People in boats crossing a body of water
  • Spokane Tribe Enterprise building
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The Spokane Tribe of Indians vision is to achieve true sovereignty by attaining self-sufficiency. We will preserve and enhance our traditional values by living and teaching the inherent principles of respect, honor and integrity as embodied in our language and life-ways. We will develop strong leadership through education, accountability, experience and positive reinforcement.

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NEWS

  • Opioid Awareness MonthJuly 12, 2023 - 3:18 pm
  • Opioid Awareness MonthJuly 12, 2023 - 3:15 pm

CONTACT US

(509) 458-6500 6195 Ford-Wellpinit Rd,
Wellpinit, WA 99040
HOURS

Monday-Friday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm

© Copyright - Spokane Tribe | Website By: WELL DRESSED WALRUS
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