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City to Establish Spokane Urban Native Advisory Council

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Erin Hut, Communications Director, ehut@spokanecity.org

Mayor Lisa Brown and the Spokane City Council have introduced legislation to establish the Spokane Urban Native Advisory Council (SUNAC), a formal body that will advise the mayor, council members, and City of Spokane staff on policies, programs, and initiatives affecting the local urban Native population.

In the proposed legislation, the SUNAC will consist of up to 12 voting members who will provide recommendations on issues including health, housing, safety, and community well-being. Additionally, the SUNAC will support and guide the City in honoring its trust and treaty responsibilities, strengthening government-to-community relationships, and ensuring Native voices and lived experiences help inform City policy, projects and initiatives.

"This moment represents something that should have always existed. Indigenous people helping guide the future of the land and city we have always called home," said Angel Tomeo Sam, Executive Director of Yoyot Sp'q'n'i. "Long before Spokane was a city, Native American people were here as stewards, traders, leaders, protectors, and knowledge keepers who cared for this land, its waters, and all living things. SUNAC represents an important and long overdue step toward truth and reconciliation in order to help inform City policy, priorities, and initiatives. As a civic representative and founding member, I'm honored to help strengthen the relationship between the City and the brilliant Native American community that call Spokane home. When Native American people are safe, able to heal, and able to prosper, our entire community benefits. This work is rooted in the understanding that Indigenous lives matter, Indigenous voices matter, and that the well-being of Native American people is connected to and supports the well-being and future of Spokane altogether."

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"Spokane has one of the largest urban Native populations in the country, and our urban Native residents have long been leaders, advocates, artists, educators, and stewards in our city. Establishing this council is an important and long overdue step toward building strong partnerships and ensuring Native perspectives help shape decisions and priorities in the city they live in," Mayor Lisa Brown said. "My administration is committed to continuing to consult with our tribal partners, but now we will also have an advisory council with which to confer on matters of interest to our urban Native neighbors."

"The City of Spokane has long nurtured its special government-to-government relationships with area Tribes such as the Spokane, Kalispel, and Coeur d'Alene, but until now we haven't had a formal vehicle for urban Native relations," said City Administrator Alex Scott, who also serves as the Brown Administration's Tribal Liaison. "The SUNAC will provide a voice to the urban Native folks in our community who hail from hundreds of different tribes and bands across the country."

"As a Native business owner in Spokane, I see every day how much urban Native people contribute to this city through business, culture, education, healthcare, and community leadership. SUNAC is an important step toward making sure those voices are visible, respected, and included in the decisions shaping Spokane's future. I'm honored to serve as a founding member and help strengthen pathways for Native entrepreneurs, families, organizations, and Tribal communities," said Jenny Slagle, Owner of Indigenous Eats and Indigenous Chic.

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In a corresponding Resolution, Mayor Brown intends to nominate the following members to the SUNAC:

Health:
  • Toni Lodge, The NATIVE Project
  • Danielle Stensgar, The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations

Human Services
  • Maureen Rosette, The NATIVE Project
  • Stephanie Sijohn, The American Indian Community Center

Economic Development/Business
  • Jenny Slagle, Indigenous Eats
  • Marina TurningRobe, Sister Sky

Education
  • Tamika LaMere, Spokane Public Schools
  • LaRae Wiley, Salish School of Spokane

Civic
  • Angel Tomeo Sam, Yoyot Sp'q'n'i
  • Lacey Bacon-Abrahamson, Newe Style Consulting

"I am proud to sponsor this ordinance for many reasons, with the primary one being the reinforcement of community reconciliation with our Native Community," said Council President Betsy Wilkerson. "Each week, I proudly read a land acknowledgment before each council meeting as a reminder that all of us who are not native to this land are grateful to be on shared territory. This Urban Native Advisory Council will help hold us accountable, ensure transparency, and strengthen our efforts toward ongoing resolve for the injustices faced by the Native Community. It is about respect and embodies the essence of reconciliation."

Legislation to establish the SUNAC was introduced by Mayor Brown and sponsored by the Spokane City Council.

Once approved, the SUNAC will join the ranks of the City's other boards and commissions, made up of residents appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Spokanites interested in serving on a board or commission can find more information and apply for open positions on the City's website.

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