Partners will begin to explore the concept and gather community feedback
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Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 4:15 p.m.
Spokane, Wash. – Today, the Park Board passed a resolution to explore the possibility of an outdoor learning classroom pilot project at People’s Park, in collaboration with Spokane Public Schools, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the nonprofit k?u cnxi? (We Join In).
The outdoor learning center could serve as an official Spokane Public School outdoor classroom, with an indigenous curriculum focused on experiential learning. People’s Park is an area rich with history, culture, and environmental learning opportunities.
The concept is in its infancy, and the Park Board resolution is the first step to begin drafting concepts and gathering community feedback.
“It’s exciting to conceptualize a new activation like this, to build on great partnerships and see how this special place could become even more so in the future,” said Garrett Jones, Interim City Administrator. “The project has tremendous mission alignment with our master plan around environmental education, natural land management, and school and tribal collaborations.”
“This collaboration between Spokane Public Schools, City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians exemplifies the power of community partnerships in creating innovative learning environments that has never been done before to this level of cultural integrity,” said Cree Whelshula, executive director of k?u cnxi? (We Join In). “By embracing land-based education and involving our Fluent Elders and Knowledge Keepers, we are fostering a deeper connection to our cultural heritage while providing a holistic and enriching educational experience for our students. Together, we are paving the way for future generations to thrive both academically and culturally.”
“Tribes have been the guardians of the air, land and waters of their homelands since time immemorial. Having our youth immersed in placed based education near the Spokane River, will help heal our hearts and connect with our ancestors,” said Tiger Peone, Spokane Tribal Council. “I am appreciative of the relationship we have with Lisa Brown, mayor of the City of Spokane, its officials, and with Adam Swinyard, the Spokane Public Schools and its administration. Together, with Cree Welshula and k?u cnxi?, we have formed a team that shares the same dream for the success of our youth and culture. These endeavors are reflective of the positive collaborations we have established, and we look forward to developing more projects in the future with our team.”
“The collaboration between Spokane Public Schools, k?u cnxi? (We Join In), and the Spokane Tribe of Indians is an exciting opportunity to foster a deeper connection between our students and the rich cultural and natural heritage of our community,” said Dr. Adam Swinyard, Superintendent of Spokane Public Schools. “This will enhance educational outcomes and will support the holistic development and well-being of our youth and will promote environmental stewardship, cultural integrity, and community engagement.”
This fall, the partners will begin to layout a framework for the pilot project, including goals, roles/responsibilities, design concepts, and timelines. They will also work together to gather neighborhood and community feedback on the preliminary concepts.
About City of Spokane Parks & Recreation
City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, natural lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.
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