November brought opportunities for reflection, celebration, and cultural learning at Spokane Colleges. Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) and Spokane Community College (SCC) recognized Native American Heritage Month with events that honored and explored Native culture, traditions, and current social and economic issues. Students, faculty, and staff came together to deepen understanding and strengthen community connections.

Community-Building at SFCC and SCC
SFCC’s Red Nations Student Association and SCC’s Native American Student Organization (NASO) hosted multiple events throughout the month. On November 12, SFCC students enjoyed an Indian taco and frybread sale—a space for community building as well as fundraising.

On November 13, NASO led a hands-on workshop exploring Iron-on Native Clothing. Participants learned about traditional designs and creative expression under the guidance of faculty advisors and student members.

Also on November 13, SFCC welcomed Chet Bluff and her team, Counting Coup, for a presentation on Indian Horse Relay Racing. Attendees had a rare chance to meet one of Chet’s horses, Moose, and Moose's rider, Andrew Whiteman from the Blackfeet Tribe (pictured). Participants even got the chance to help paint Moose in the style used for racing. The interactive session brought traditional sport to life, combining cultural education with hands-on participation.

Fry Bread and Place-Based Learning at Inchelium
At SCC’s Inchelium campus, located on the Colville Reservation, the community shared a fry bread meal as part of the month’s festivities. Led by Spokane Colleges’ Director of Tribal Relations Dr. Naomi Bender, the event included a session on traditional plant medicines such as rosehips, elderberries, and Bear Medicine. Students learned about “place-based medicine,” respecting and preserving the natural resources around them.

Fry bread, a staple in Tribal communities across North America, helped connect attendees to the shared history of those communities. The meal also showcased the Inchelium campus as a hub for academic and cultural engagement.

Art and Storytelling with Leanne Campbell
Earlier in the month, SFCC hosted Coeur d’Alene Tribe artist and cultural educator Leanne Campbell. She shared her journey as an Indigenous artist, highlighting weaving and other traditional art forms inspired by Columbia Plateau rock art. The session allowed students and staff to engage with Native art and storytelling and connect with ever-evolving Indigenous art and creativity.

Connecting Culture and Careers
These events reflect Spokane Colleges’ commitment to honoring Native students and the broader Tribal community. Staff and student leaders, including Dr. Bender and SFCC’s Indigenous Outreach and Support Manager Mark Ramos, work year-round to strengthen relationships with Eastern Washington and North Idaho Tribes.

One example is SCC’s Natural Resources program, which offers in-person courses on the Colville Reservation. The program prepares students for careers for natural resources jobs including those with local Tribes, a major regional employer in natural resources. This pathway represents a growing partnership aimed at preparing local people to do local jobs for the Tribes rather than relying on hiring outside talent.

Recognizing History and Land
Native American Heritage Month began as American Indian Week in 1976 and was expanded to a full month in November 1990. Spokane Colleges acknowledges this history and the land on which its campuses operate. The colleges’ land acknowledgment honors the Spokane Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe, Nez Perce Tribe, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, recognizing their stewardship and cultural legacy.

Through celebrations like these, Spokane Colleges fosters awareness, pride, and understanding. Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate vibrant traditions, recognize ongoing contributions, and highlight the colleges’ commitment to education, cultural engagement, and meaningful careers in the region.