For many Native families, the legacy of boarding schools and relocation policies has created a disconnect from ancestral traditions. There are many Native American families that grew up on the reservation and experienced our traditional ways through community teachings and through our elders, keeping these traditions alive for our future generations to learn and live by. For those families that did not grow up on the Reservation, these teachings were practiced either very little or none at all. While some families were able to maintain any amount of balance between the city life and continuing to practice our traditions, others may not have had that tie to bridging that gap.
There are 32 federally recognized tribes that reside in Washington State, a list of these tribes can be found here.
The Spokane Reservation is located in Wellpinit WA, located 43 miles northeast of Spokane, but the tribe has many resources conveniently located right in and around town for those looking to reconnect their roots.
Many Native Americans who aren't directly associated with their tribes may feel like they are alone in learning their culture or may even feel like they don't belong. Just because you may not have attended ceremonies and tribal gatherings up to this point, it is never too late to start. Our teachings still live on through daily practices and tribal members and descendants are always highly encouraged to do their part in keeping these traditions alive whether its learning or teaching.
Finding your roots can seem difficult and intimidating but utilizing these resources can be a huge help on your journey.
1. Salish School of Spokane – Evening Salish Language & Culture Classes
- Location: 4125 N Maple St, Spokane, WA
- Contact: info@salishschoolofspokane.org
- Price: Free, includes childcare and dinner
- Schedule: Mon–Thu evenings, 6–8 PM
- Description:
Open to parents, descendants, and community members, these in-person classes teach n̓səl̓xčin̓ (Colville Salish). Levels range from beginner to advanced, build fluency, and offer cultural immersion (salishschoolofspokane.org, en.wikipedia.org).
2. Salish School of Spokane – Salish Language Immersion School (P–8)
- Location: 4125 N Maple St, Spokane, WA
- Contact: info@salishschoolofspokane.org
- Price: Varies (tuition-based preschool and K–8 immersion)
- Description:
Full-time immersion school for children ages 1–14. Classes run 8:30 AM–3:30 PM with optional before/after care. Core subjects and cultural elements (drumming, dancing, equestrian, arts) are taught entirely in Salish (salishschoolofspokane.org).
3. Spokane Language House – Adult Spokane Salish Immersion Courses
- Location: (Check Spokane Language House for Spokane-area courses)
- Contact: via Cultural Survival or tribal site
- Price: Pilot-funded immersion; paid positions ($25/hr) exploring future Spokane-based courses (spokesman.com, culturalsurvival.org).
- Description:
Modeled after the Wellpinit pilot, these immersion classes aim to train adult “language warriors” through full-time, intensive learning with fluent speakers. Courses are in Spokane dialect Np’oq͗ínišcn and include cultural mentorship (culturalsurvival.org).
4. Spokane Tribal Network (STN) – Cultural Workshops & Youth Programs
- Location: 6230 Old School Rd, Wellpinit WA 99040
- Contact: (509) 258-4535
- Price: Free or donation-based
- Description:
STN offers youth and family programs promoting cultural preservation—including traditional teachings, community events, and intergenerational wellness. They facilitate land-based learning, mentoring, and cultural engagement in Spokane (spokanetribalnetwork.org).
5. Annual “Celebrating Salish” Conference (Hosted in Spokane)
- Location: Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Airway Heights (near Spokane)
- Price: Typically includes registration fee (check site)
- Description:
Co-hosted by Salish School, Kalispel Tribe, and Salish Institute. A major annual gathering (Mar 11–13, 2026) featuring language classes, cultural sessions, and community celebration (salishschoolofspokane.org).
6. Attend Local Tribal Events
Attending local tribal events such as Powwows and Stick Games can be beneficial to reconnecting with your roots. These events will be listed on our events page as they come up. Here is a list of Powwows held in Spokane that have already passed this year, but you can keep them in mind for next Powwow season. For other upcoming Powwows you can visit this Powwow Calendar.
Gathering at the Falls Pow Wow
Location: Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA (Spokane Riverbanks)
Time: Typically, mid-May annually
Admission: Free, with multiple Grand Entries (commonly 12 PM & 6 PM)
Description: A vibrant celebration rooted in Spokane Valley tradition. Features drumming, dancing, cultural displays, Native vendors, and arts—all centered-on reconnecting with the river heritage.
Two-Spirit Pow Wow at Spokane Pride
Location: Riverfront Park, 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
Date: June 14, 2025, 11 AM–9 PM
Admission: Free (Pride event)
Description: A celebration of Two-Spirit identities within Native culture—featuring dance, ceremony, and affirming LGBTQ+ Native presence at the Spokane Pride Festival.
Pacific Northwest Powwow
Location: Spokane Convention Center, 334 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
Date: May 24–25, 2025
Admission: Free to attend (tentative)
Description: A large-scale intertribal pow wow featuring dancers and drummers from across the region in celebration of shared heritage.
Spokane Falls Community College Annual Pow Wow
Location: SFCC Student Athletic Center (Building 7), Spokane Falls Community College
Date: Around May 13 (following academic calendar)
Admission: Free
Description: Organized by SFCC’s Red Nations Club, this pow wow includes traditional and contemporary dance performances, vendors, and community engagement.
🧭 Quick Reference Snapshot
| Program | Location | Audience | Cost | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening Salish Classes | 4125 N Maple St | Adults & parents | Free | Language & culture |
| P–8 Salish Immersion | 4125 N Maple St | Children 1–14 | Tuition-based | Language & culture |
| Language House | Spokane area | Adult descendants | Paid pilot | Intensive immersion |
| STN Workshops | Spokane | Families/youth | Free/donations | Culture & wellness |
| Salish Conference | Airway Heights | All ages | Registration fee | Celebration & learning |
How to Get Involved
- Contact Salish School via email or visit their Spokane campus to enroll in evening classes or immersion programs (salishschoolofspokane.org).
- Connect with STN through their website to ask about upcoming events and workshops (spokanetribalnetwork.org).
- Watch for Salish Conference updates, typically held annually—with registration details online (salishschoolofspokane.org).
- Stay tuned for Language House offerings, tied to pilot expansion in Spokane (culturalsurvival.org).
Why These Programs Matter
These initiatives rebuild language fluency and cultural continuity—especially after generations of disruption. They support families, youth, and adult learners in reclaiming heritage, strengthening community ties, and reviving Spokane Salish as a living, spoken language. Don't be afraid to make the leap into this journey. Our ancestors will be proud of your decision and our future generations will thank you for passing down these teachings.
