SPOKANE, Wash. — A stretch of land along the Spokane River is set to be transformed into a Salish Village, marking a significant step for the region’s Indigenous community.
The development is part of a $33 million project with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington. The initiative will create a new cultural campus for the Salish School of Spokane, a community center and affordable housing units.
The site is located near Spokane Falls Community College on the city’s west side.
For generations, traditional Salish villages were found along rivers throughout the region.
“The river was the heart of the community,” said Christopher Parkin, principal of the Salish School of Spokane. “This site brings us close to that tradition while still being in the city of Spokane.”
Thanks to a donation from Catholic Charities, the Salish School now owns 2.4 acres of land along the river.
Jonathan Mallahan with Catholic Charities said it is faith inspiring this move. “Part of that is that we want to recognize our responsibility as the Catholic community of wrongs that have historic and ongoing impacts on the Salish language and culture in our region.”
The Salish School said it has outgrown its current building on Maple Street and the new campus will allow it to more than double the number of students it can accommodate.
The partnership with Catholic Charities was not an easy decision for the Salish School, given the complex history between the two groups. However, Parkin said it represents an opportunity to move forward. “It’s to make amends, to help us accomplish this goal of revitalizing our language and culture,” he said.
Margo Hill Ferguson, a Spokane tribal citizen, emphasized the importance of the project for future generations.
“I think this river, for a long time, has been waiting for our young people to come back and to learn and to help protect the river,” she said.
Groundbreaking for the Salish Village is expected by February.
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