Connection: Remembering Who You Are

Charlene Teters reached out to Spokane’s sister city in Ireland in March by erecting a billboard in front of Limerick City Hall depicting a turn-of-the-century photo of Plateau Indians fishing on a river.

The Spokane Indians and Limerick residents share a common history, says Teters. The forced removal, loss of land and oppression experienced by the Spokane Indians are similar to what the Irish have experienced, she said. Both peoples are from fishing cultures.

“Maybe the Spokane Indians are your true friends, brothers and sisters,” Teters said.

A Spokane Indian herself, Teters grew up hearing that it’s important to remember who you are and where you come from. But even if you forget, the river remembers us, she said.

Her billboard exhibit at the 2000 Exhibition of Visual Arts, “The River Remembers, We are People of the River,” appeared for two weeks in English. Then it appeared in Salish, the Spokane tribal language.

Teters, who now lives in New Mexico and teaches at the Institute of American Indian Art, remains connected to her Spokane roots.

“She always comes up for the Wellpinit Powwow,” said John Teters, Charlene’s youngest brother. “Even though she’s an activist, she’s just a sweetheart and would do anything for you.”

When times got tough for Teters in Illinois, she didn’t want her mother to worry and didn’t tell her what was happening.

“As it kept on getting larger and larger, she kind of had to tell mom,” he said.