Spokane Tribe of Indians

A Unique Partnership

The Spokane Indians baseball team and Spokane Tribe of Indians are a unique partnership in the world of professional sports. In 2006, the two made history by collaborating on a rebranding of the baseball's team logo, becoming the first pairing of a team and tribe to respectfully agree on the use of local native imagery. During the rebranding, a Salish version of the logo was created. This logo has been stitched on the team's sleeves since its inception.

"We welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with our namesake professional baseball team on this project," said Rudy Peone, Chairman of the Spokane Tribe. "We view this colloborating as a significant opportunity to educate thousands of baseball fans about the language and culture of the Spokane Tribe of Indians -- this city's first inhabitants."

Historic Collaboration

In 2014, the team announced a new home alternate uniform - a uniform that used the Salish logo as well as the name Spokane written in the native language, with "Sp'q'n'i" featured in lettering across the front chest. Beginning in 2015, the Salish jersey became the primary home jersey for all 38 Spokane Indians home games.

"We're extremely proud of our close relationship with the Spokane Tribe of Indians," said Otto Klein, Senior Vice President of the baseball team. "We appreciate the Spokane Tribe of Indians allowing us to be a vehicle to promote their language and culture."

To further the positive messaging in other Northwest League markets, the team now also wears the Spokane Tribe's traditional Salish markings on all away jerseys. In addition, Tribal Markers, documenting the history of the tribe and its relationship with the team, were installed throughout Avista Stadium for the enjoyment and education of fans.