The Spokane Tribe of Indians has been severed from their most critical resource, salmon. Not only the most valuable resource for subsistence salmon were paramount to the Tribe’s culture, spirituality, language; their identity. While the Tribe and their partners at the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT) organization, Coeur d’Alene Tribe (CDAT), and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) are engaged in scientific assessments of providing fish passage to reintroduce anadromous fish to their waters, they are also gradually reacquainting tribal citizens and the general public with salmon. Through Cultural and Educational releases of juvenile and adult Chinook salmon the Tribe is relearning salmon biology and ecology, tribal traditions and practices, cultural relationships, and lifeways no longer exercised. Historically, these aspects were more than common knowledge, they were inherent to every citizen of every band of Sp'q'n'i.
Since 2017 Spokane Tribal Fisheries has provided opportunities for Spokane Tribe citizens to reengage with the fish. Programs like Salmon in the Classroom have been an immersive teaching tool for elementary and middle school youth. Releases of juvenile Chinook to Reservation waters has ignited the spiritual connection with the fish and the larger ecosystem. Harvest opportunities opened members eyes to the lifeways of their ancestors, the reliance of salmon on their survival, and the roots of their heritage. Volitional releases of adult Chinook have helped citizens see the ancestral reciprocal relationship between indigenous people and indigenous fish: as salmon nurture the people, the people nurture the salmon – ensuring both flourish.

This project enables the Spokane Tribe of Indians to continue their cultural and educational releases. Financial support will be used for the significant staff time needed to coordinate and perform these releases; rearing of juvenile fish; transport of adult fish; and most importantly, educate.