SPOKANE, Wash. — Native American communities invited the entire Spokane community to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in Riverfront Park.
This celebration was the first of its kind, but organizers hope it will be the first of many to come.
“This is the first time that we’ve had a gathering this large on Indigenous Peoples Day,” said LaRae Wiley, a volunteer with the Spokane Urban Native Alliance Council.
Wiley, one of the organizers, says this celebration was for the entire community and intended to share the indigenous culture that’s existed in Spokane for generations.
“The indigenous people of Spokane are still here, and we’re strong and we’re growing and we’re looking to the future,” she said.
At the event, there were also several indigenous-led businesses and nonprofits hoping to make new connections in the community.
“It’s very important to have our celebrations because it brings out who are, where we come from, where we’re at and where we’re at in our lives today,” said vendor Carmalla Wildcat.
Sage Indigenous Law asked attendees to fill out a survey so the nonprofit could better understand how to serve its community.
“It’s so important that somebody understands the culture and their traditions and the background of each of the parties,” said Juliana Repp, the co-founder and executive director of Sage Indigenous Law.
This event also came together with the help from the nonprofit Spokane Pride, which helped with booth set up. Organizers hope this celebration will become a new Spokane tradition.
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