Spokane Tribe: Columbia Plateau Heritage & Cultural Traditions

Guardians of the Columbia: The Spokane Tribe’s Enduring Heritage on the Plateau

The majestic Columbia River carves a path through the heart of the Inland Northwest, its waters a lifeblood for generations. Along its banks and across the vast, undulating landscape of the Columbia Plateau, the Spokane Tribe – or "Sqeliz" as they call themselves in their own language – has thrived for millennia. Their story is one deeply etched into the very soil and flow of this land, a testament to profound cultural traditions, an unbreakable bond with nature, and an extraordinary resilience in the face of epochal change.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the Spokane people lived a sophisticated and self-sufficient existence, their lives orchestrated by the rhythms of the seasons and the bounty of the land. Their ancestral territory spanned some 3 million acres, encompassing the Spokane River, its tributaries, and vast stretches of the Columbia, extending into what is now Idaho. They were part of the Interior Salish linguistic family, sharing cultural and linguistic ties with neighboring tribes like the Coeur d’Alene, Kalispel, and Colville.

A Life Rooted in the Land and River

The cornerstone of Spokane life was the salmon. These magnificent fish, making their epic journey from the Pacific to the spawning grounds, were more than just food; they were a spiritual pillar, a social glue, and an economic engine. "The salmon sustained us in every way imaginable," says a hypothetical elder, reflecting a common sentiment among Plateau tribes. "They were our first food, our teachers, our connection to the Creator. Our ceremonies, our stories, our very identity flowed with the river." Annual salmon runs brought families together at prime fishing sites, where intricate weirs and dip nets were employed with expert precision. The fish were then dried, smoked, and stored, providing sustenance through the long winter months.

But their diet was diverse. Women played a crucial role, venturing into the prairies and forests to gather an astonishing array of roots, berries, and medicinal plants. Camas, with its sweet, onion-like bulb, was a staple, carefully harvested and pit-cooked for days to release its sugars. Bitterroot, huckleberries, serviceberries, and chokecherries supplemented their diet and provided vital nutrients. Men hunted deer, elk, and smaller game, utilizing their deep knowledge of animal behavior and the terrain. Their homes were typically semi-subterranean pit houses for winter, offering warmth and protection, and mat lodges or tipis for seasonal encampments, allowing for mobility during hunting and gathering expeditions.

Spiritual beliefs were intrinsically linked to the natural world. The land, the river, the animals, and the plants were all imbued with spirit and treated with reverence. Vision quests were common for young people, seeking guidance and power from animal spirits. Storytelling was a vital tradition, not just for entertainment, but as a means of transmitting history, moral lessons, and cultural values across generations. The Salish language itself was a repository of this knowledge, its structure and vocabulary reflecting a deep understanding of their environment.

The Onset of Change: A Shifting Tide

The early 19th century brought the first significant shifts with the arrival of European fur traders, explorers, and missionaries. Initially, interactions were often mutually beneficial, with the Spokane trading furs for manufactured goods like metal tools, firearms, and blankets. However, these exchanges also introduced devastating diseases, like smallpox, to which the Spokane had no immunity, leading to catastrophic population declines.

The mid-19th century marked a more profound and disruptive period. The burgeoning westward expansion of American settlers put immense pressure on tribal lands. In 1855, Isaac Stevens, the Governor of Washington Territory, attempted to negotiate a comprehensive treaty with the Spokane and other Plateau tribes. While some Spokane leaders, notably Chief Garry, a prominent figure educated at a mission school in Canada, advocated for peace and diplomacy, the Spokane never formally signed a treaty ceding their lands. Despite this, they were gradually dispossessed of vast portions of their ancestral territory through executive orders and settler encroachment.

The Treaty of Hellgate, signed with other Salish-speaking tribes in 1855, significantly impacted the Spokane, even though they were not direct signatories. It led to the establishment of reservations for neighboring tribes and further constricted the Spokane’s ability to live freely on their traditional lands. By 1881, the Spokane Indian Reservation was established by executive order, a fraction of their original domain, forcing many Spokane people onto a limited land base and into a new way of life that often clashed with their deep-seated traditions.

The River’s Silence: The Grand Coulee Dam’s Impact

Perhaps the single most devastating blow to the Spokane people’s traditional way of life came not from war or treaties, but from concrete and steel: the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam. Completed in 1942, this monumental engineering project, part of the New Deal’s efforts to provide electricity and irrigation, transformed the Columbia River forever. While lauded as a marvel of modern technology, it came at an immense cost to the Indigenous peoples of the Columbia Plateau.

The Grand Coulee Dam blocked all salmon passage upstream, effectively ending millennia of salmon runs to the Spokane River and its tributaries. "When the salmon stopped coming, it was like a part of our soul died," laments another hypothetical tribal member. "Our ceremonies lost their anchor, our diet changed, and a fundamental connection to our ancestors was severed." Traditional fishing sites, ancient villages, and sacred areas were submerged under the vast waters of Lake Roosevelt, the reservoir created by the dam. The cultural, spiritual, and economic repercussions were catastrophic and continue to be felt today. The Spokane, like many other Plateau tribes, received little to no compensation for this irreparable loss for decades.

Resilience and Revival: A Modern Narrative

Despite these profound losses and the enduring legacy of colonialism, the Spokane Tribe has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the tribe has actively pursued self-determination, cultural revitalization, and economic development to ensure the well-being of its people.

Language preservation is a critical focus. The Spokane Salish language, once vibrant, faced extinction due to assimilation policies that forced children into boarding schools where their native tongues were forbidden. Today, the tribe runs language immersion programs, works with elders (the last fluent speakers) to document and teach the language, and develops educational materials for younger generations. These efforts are not just about words; they are about reclaiming identity and reconnecting with ancestral knowledge embedded within the language.

Cultural traditions are also experiencing a resurgence. Powwows, root feasts, and other traditional gatherings are held regularly, providing opportunities for tribal members to practice their songs, dances, and ceremonies. Basket weaving, beadwork, and other traditional arts are being taught and passed down. The tribe actively engages in environmental stewardship, working to protect and restore the remaining natural resources, advocating for river health, and educating others about the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Economically, the Spokane Tribe has pursued various ventures to create jobs and generate revenue for tribal services. The Chewelah Casino, along with other enterprises like forestry, agriculture, and construction, provides essential funding for healthcare, education, elder care, and housing on the reservation. These initiatives empower the tribe to invest in its future and reduce reliance on external funding.

Looking to the Future: Upholding a Legacy

The Spokane Tribe’s journey is far from over. They continue to face challenges common to many Indigenous communities, including issues of poverty, health disparities, and the ongoing struggle to protect their sovereignty and cultural heritage. However, their story is ultimately one of strength, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to their identity.

The Columbia River, though altered, still flows. The Plateau, though changed, still bears the footprints of their ancestors. The Spokane people, the Sqeliz, continue to be guardians of this land, carrying forward the wisdom of their heritage while navigating the complexities of the modern world. Their enduring spirit, their deep connection to the earth, and their dedication to revitalizing their traditions stand as a powerful testament to the resilience of Indigenous cultures and a beacon of hope for future generations. As they move forward, the Spokane Tribe ensures that the echoes of their ancestors, the lessons of the salmon, and the spirit of the Plateau will continue to resonate for millennia to come.