“We, the American Indian Movement of Spokane, [with] members consisting of Indians from 45 different Tribes and Bands throughout the United States and Canada…do hereby go on record supporting the “reclaiming” of the land known as Alcatraz Island.”

Red Power was a movement for American Indian rights that began in the 1960s. Nationally, the American Indian Movement (AIM) led a series of national actions and protests, including the storming of the BIA building in Washington D.C., the occupation of Wounded Knee, and the American Indian takeover of Alcatraz Island.

For the AIM chapter in Spokane social justice was cultivated using different methods. AIM members worked to bridge the divide between the Indigenous and white communities—specifically by addressing stereotypes and other demeaning assumptions used to describe Native Americans.

One of their greatest contributions to Spokane was the creation of the American Indian Community Center. Through this organization, AIM battled social issues such as poverty, crime, substance abuse, and the lack of educational opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

To urban and reservation Indians, the Alcatraz occupation in 1969 represented change; “the main goal of the takeover,” said Peter Campbell, vice president of the AIM chapter in Spokane, “was to show people of the United States what conditions are like on Indian reservations” and within urban centers. It was a chance to address the issues surrounding Indian policy and the social problems that hindered Native Americans’ ability to prosper as self-determined nations and individuals.

For more (including 2 images), view the original article.

Download the Spokane Historical app for Android and iPhone
Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube

Frustrated by rising unemployment and the lack of Indigenous recognition, Spokane’s Urban Indian population constructed their own place of cultural and community involvement.

Founded by members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) on June 12, 1967, Spokane’s American Indian Community Center was formed in response to the social and economic turbulence experienced by Indigenous peoples. As more Natives left the reservations in search of employment, the community center— originally located on 1007 N Columbus St—helped new arrivals find stability in a city where urban Indians were a distinct minority.

“We [needed] to show that not all Indians [were] riding around on horseback with feathers in their hair,” said Bert L. Peters, director of the Center in 1969; to do this, they worked to involve “the Spokane community in several projects…to help the Indian reach his rightful place in society.”

Hoping to foster pan-Indian relations, the center aided multiple native nations throughout the eastern Washington region and beyond—including, among others, the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Northern Cheyenne, Blackfeet and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. While they were considered a small population, estimated at 2,400 in 1967, Spokane’s urban Indian community experienced rapid-growth during the 1960s.

“Many people…wonder why the Indians leave the reservations for the cities,” said Peters, “they are forced to because conditions on the reservations are far worse than they are in the city.” But with these swelling numbers came the realization that many Native Americans from reservations had little preparation prior to relocation.

In response to the growing needs of urban Natives, the center sponsored events and programs including job fairs to help adults find employment opportunities in Spokane. They also advocated for self-determination by promoting vocational schooling and cultural events.

This dedication to supporting Indigenous peoples continues to this day; the community center—now found at 801 E 2nd Ave—still plays a vital role as a socializing-hub for urban Indians in the Spokane area. “There’s a lot of Natives here that are smart—that are educated; they know their people [and] they know what it takes to serve [their] people,” said Lux Devereaux, Executive Director of the center. “We’re in this whole thing together—don’t leave us out. We’re not invisible.”

For more (including 2 images), view the original article.

Download the Spokane Historical app for Android and iPhone
Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube