Spokane Tribe of Indians to Raise Flag on snxw mene? Island

Friday, October 25, 2019 at 10 A.M.

Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297. Riverfront: 311


Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 1:29 p.m.


SPOKANE – The Spokane Tribe of Indians will raise the Spokane Tribe of Indians flag on snxw mene? Island in Riverfront Park during a ceremony on Friday, October 25 at 10 A.M.

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The Spokane Tribe of Indians will present Mayor Condon with the flag, and it will be raised during the Tribal flag song, rendered by the Bad Canyon singers of the Spokane Tribe. Remarks will follow from Tiger Peone of the Spokane Tribe of Indians Business Council and Mayor Condon.

The island was renamed in 2017, in honor of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. snxw mene? (sin-HOO-men-huh) is Salish for “Salmon People” and was proposed by the Spokane Tribe and approved by the all-volunteer Park Board. The island is a place to honor a sharing of cultures and history.

 

Background

In 2016, 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 has 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.

The island was formerly known as Canada, Cannon, and Crystal Island.

 

About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation is the place to go for events, activities, classes and more. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org, and follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

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