Honor the tribe

During the 1994 dedication of the library building next to the Spokane Falls, tribal leader Peter Campbell shared words that reminded those in attendance of the importance of recognizing the Spokans and the other tribes who were for millennia gathered here:

“I prayed and asked my ancestors if I should bless this library.” They said, “It is the gathering place for ideas now, and that is a good thing.”

So the library was blessed.

Today, let’s continue recognizing important cultural sites by naming them appropriately. It is suggested that the plaza be named for Dr. John Moyer. Were this good man still with us, with his characteristic humility and grace, I believe he would want the name of the beautiful little plaza tucked next to City Hall to recognize the Spokans, whose lives and friendships were intertwined with the falls.

Truly, it was their gathering place long before a dam obstructed the falls. It was taken without payment. Honoring them would be a blessing and an apology.

I ask the committee, chaired by Dennis Dellwo, to name the new plaza for what it once was – and for what it has become – The Gathering Place.

Tina Wynecoop

Colbert