Name Recommendations for Canada Island Presented by Spokane Tribe

Park Board will hear two Salish name recommendations and welcome community feedback

Fianna Dickson, 509.625.6297


Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11:43 a.m.


The Spokane Tribe will propose two Salish name recommendations for the renaming of Canada Island in Riverfront Park for Park Board consideration. The presentation will take place at the January 20 board meeting at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall.

Update: Proposed names are:

  • snx' mene' (Salmon people) “Sin-hoo-men-huh”
  • nk'nntews (a land that causes a fork in the river) “N-coo-en-tehws”

The community will have a chance to provide input, and the Park Board plans to vote on the new name at the March 9 board meeting at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Last year, as part of the redevelopment of Riverfront Park, the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation department began a formal collaboration with the Spokane Tribe to highlight the sacred connection between the island and the tribe, with the goal of ensuring that all people who visit the island in the years to come will know and appreciate its strong native history.

As part of the collaboration, the Spokane Tribe will have a role in working with the Park Board and City of Spokane Parks and Recreation to make decisions around naming, activities, signage and public artwork on the island.

During the Gathering of the Falls Pow Wow in August 2016, a ceremony was held on the island to announce the partnership and renaming. The ceremony included the Consul General of Canada from Seattle, James Hill, who attended to share the Canadian government’s voice of support, along with Mayor Condon, elected officials and members of the Park Board and Spokane Tribe.

Citizens can share their thoughts on the renaming selection with the Park Board by attending meetings (view the schedule at www.spokaneparks.org/board), calling 509-625-6200, emailing spokaneparks@spokanecity.org, or writing to the Park Board at 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201.

Redevelopment details will continue to be updated at www.RiverfrontParkNow.com.