Learn About the Rich Culture Tied to the Spokane River

For thousands of years, the Spokane River has been a source of deep connection–connecting the landscape, the ecosystem, local tribes, and members of the Spokane community with one another. For the tribes that gathered at its waters for thousands of years, it was a place of community-building, religious fulfillment, and economic development. To this day, tribes hold deep ties to the life-supporting waters of the Spokane and rely on it for sites of traditional ceremonies and continued cultural celebration. 

The Spokane Tribe paddles the Spokane River in tradional canoes.

For the settlers that moved into the region, the river’s rich resources provided an economic boom and a source of livelihood, which drew more people to its banks.

Now, it is the jewel in Spokane’s crown, a glistening and powerful river that winds and carves its way through over a 100 miles of the city proper, local forests, and towering rock formations that surround the city. With its bountiful waters, endless recreational opportunities, and beautiful river walks, it not only attracts visitors, but is also a source of cultural pride in the region.

Left: The United States Pavilion first built for Expo ’74.

Right: The Spokane Pavilion remains a eye-catching community event place on river’s edge.

Spokane River is a defining feature of the area. It is a place where people can rediscover and reconnect with their local ecosystems and fellow community members, it is a place whose waters will always give life to the communities around it, and it is a place that is central to Spokane’s cultural identity. It was here long before us and will hopefully be here long after we are gone.

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