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Spokane Tribe of Indians

The partnership between the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Spokane Indians Baseball Club is built out of respect and inclusion. It has been a unique and rewarding collaborative effort that highlights elements that are important to the Spokane Tribe, while simultaneously providing a brand that Indians baseball fans can be proud of.

2006 Team Re-brand

The Spokane Indians Baseball Club and Spokane Tribe of Indians are a unique partnership in the world of professional sports. In 2006, the two collaborated on a rebranding of the baseball team's logo, becoming the first pairing of a team and tribe to respectfully highlight the use of local native imagery. During the rebranding, a Salish version of the logo was created. This logo has been used in some form on the team's jerseys ever since. "We welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with our namesake professional baseball team on this project," said former Chairman of the Spokane Tribe Rudy Peone. "We view this collaboration as a significant opportunity to educate thousands of baseball fans about the language and culture of the Spokane Indians - this city's first inhabitants."

Salish Jerseys

In 2014, the team announced a new home alternate uniform, a uniform that used the name 'Spokane' written in the Salish language, the native language of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. 'Sp'q'n'i?' is featured in lettering across the chest. Beginning in 2015, the Salish jersey became the primary home jersey for all 38 home games - believed to be the first Native American language to be featured on a professional sports team's primary jersey. "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 the other Northwest League markets, since 2018 the team has worn the Spokane Tribe's traditional Salish markings on all road, batting practice, and alternate jerseys.

Historical Markers

In 2018, the Baseball Club and Tribal Members worked together to develop tribal markers documenting the history of the Spokane Tribe, as well as its relationship with the team. These markers were installed throughout Avista Stadium Hall-of-Fame Plaza for the enjoyment and education of fans. Each marker covers a different topic, including Elders and Youth, Traditional Lifeways, Language/Culture Program, and the Partnership between the Tribe and the Team.

Salish Language

Through multiple conversations, it became clear that one of the goals of the Spokane Tribe of Indians that could be effectively highlighted by the partnership was to bring a renewed life to the Salish language. At the time of the rebrand in 2006, there were only a handful of fluent Salish speakers in the Spokane dialect. In addition to utilizing the Salish logo and the Salish uniforms, throughout Avista Stadium the Salish language is incorporated under English signs where possible, including on the home and visitor's clubhouse, concessions signage, and other directional signage.

Continuing Partnership

It's important to both the Spokane Indians Baseball Club and the Spokane Tribe of Indians that the partnership evolves and grows organically with the Spokane Tribe of Indians. Collaboration has been the cornerstone of the relationship. In addition, when new branding efforts are made to Spokane Indians baseball campaigns, it is important that the Spokane Tribe is considered. For example, in 2019 the Spokane Indians Baseball Club introduced a sustainability logo that incorporated a version of the Eagle feather featured in the primary club logo.

Recent Initiatives

Wellpinit Field Renovation

The Spokane Indians front office once again teamed up with local community partners to make a big difference in our region. On Wednesday, June 16th the front office joined the Boys & Girls Club of Wellpinit, Spokane Tribe Fuels Department, Spokane Tribe Maintenance Department, Tribal Department of Natural Resources, Tribal Water Department, members of the Wellpinit High School girls softball team, and community members Gladys Rhoads and Billy Shawn Flett Jr. to restore War Veterans Memorial Field in Wellpinit, Washington.

The renovation had many areas of improvement, including the installation of four large autumn blaze maple trees for shade, new field bases & measurements, new dugouts, new player benches, new signage, new trash cans, and a new main water line. The complex also had its perimeter fence repaired, bleachers repaired and painted, and the installation of a new gravel pathway and entrance. In total, 120 bags of infield Turface mix, 25 yards of bark, and 12 tons of gravel were used in the refurbishment project of War Veterans Memorial Field.

First Native Basketball Court Design

The Spokane Indians Baseball Team and the Spokane Tribe of Indians teamed up with Spokane Hoopfest Association, Spokane Parks and Recreation, and Spokane Arts for the first Native basketball court in Spokane.

The imagery found on the court, and used for years by the baseball team, was originally inspired by the art of Spokane Tribal member George Flett (1946–2013). Flett’s artwork was used as a part of the historic rebrand of the Spokane Indians Baseball Team in 2006 in collaboration with the Spokane Tribe of Indians. The team, named in honor of the tribe, has done extensive work with the tribe to bring awareness and preserve the Salish dialect spoken by the tribe.

The court design was developed in partnership with the baseball team, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and branding company Brandiose along with guidance from Spokane Arts. The art was approved unanimously by the Spokane Arts Commission, Spokane Tribal Council, and the Spokane Parks and Recreation Board.

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Native Hoopfest Court