Fort Sherman Park To Be Cheamkwet
The name "Fort Sherman Park" will ride off into the sunset during the 80th anniversary celebration of North Idaho College, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. The name will be replaced by the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe word for "headquarters": Cheamkwet (Ch pronounced as in choo-choo and small "e" as in "Chem-kwet" ... I think). Along with renaming the park (which serves as host site for Art on the Green), NIC will dedicate the historic Fort Sherman Powder Magazone and the NIC Veterans Memorial. You can read all about it below.
Question: Do you support the Fort Sherman Park name change?
The community is invited to the dedications of the historic Ft. Sherman Powder Magazine, North Idaho College’s Veterans Memorial, and Cheamkwet Park at NIC’s 80th Anniversary Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18.
“‘Community’ is the foundation of our mission; it’s who we serve as the local community college. So what better way to commemorate 80 years in this community than by inviting the public to help us celebrate,” said NIC President Joe Dunlap.
5 p.m.: The dedication of the historic Ft. Sherman Powder Magazine, which was recently restored back to its original state as it would have appeared in 1878 when the college grounds was a bustling military fort. The powder magazine dedication will be followed by the dedication of the adjacent NIC Veterans Memorial.
6 p.m.: The dedication of Cheamkwet Park -- which means headwaters in traditional Coeur d’Alene Tribal language -- will include a prayer and blessing by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The park is located directly behind the Edminster Student Union Building.
6:30 p.m.: The public is invited to a free barbecue cookout dinner provided by NIC Dining Services, including pulled pork sandwiches and corn on the cob.
7 to 9 p.m.: Community members are invited to swing dancing -- reminiscent of traditional community dances -- with music provided by Jazz Northwest Big Band.
North Idaho College was established during the challenges of the Great Depression. With endorsements by businesses, the local school district, women’s groups, numerous civic organizations and the Coeur d’Alene Press, the college opened its doors in the fall of 1933 with 55 students paying $35 a semester for tuition.
