Spokane, WA, April 25, 2024 – The roots of Native American culture run deep in this region, bringing to life a rich past through language, food, music and traditions that still exist today. Honoring that heritage is a primary pillar of this summer’s Expo ’74 50th Anniversary Celebration that begins on May 4 and continues through July 8.   

As part of Innovia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, we are proud to be a supporter of the Tribal Pillar events and activities. Community members, young and old, are encouraged to join in the many opportunities to experience and celebrate Native American culture.   

“The Tribal Pillar events bring us together as a community to celebrate the vibrant tribal culture in this region,” says Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “We are honored to invest in these events to provide the opportunity for more people to learn about the rich traditions rooted in Native American history.” 

The highlight of the Expo ’74 Tribal Pillar events is a Pow-Wow at the Spokane Convention Center on May 25-26. Featuring traditional dance, drumming, music and regalia, the Pow-Wow will bring together tribal communities from across the region for a meaningful and joyful celebration. 

Spokane Tribal member Margo Hill is the Tribal Pillar organizer. She is hopeful that this year’s Pow-Wow will become an annual event. 

“On behalf of Tribal communities throughout our region, we have created an exciting calendar of events that includes one of the largest Pow-Wow gatherings this area has seen for a very long time,” said Hill, who also serves as an Innovia Board member. “We dream that this year’s Pow-Wow at Expo is a catalyst to an annual Pow-Wow to carry on the tradition lived out by our ancestors. From time immemorial, our ancestors gathered on the banks of the Spokane River to share food, stories, dance and community. We want to restore this tradition to benefit our children and the entire region.”   

As the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, Innovia serves the traditional homelands of six tribal communities: spoqín/sp’q’n’iʔ/Spokan Spokane Tribe of Indians, The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, qĺispé/qlispél Kalispel Tribe of Indians, ktunaxa Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, schi’tsu’umsh The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and nimíipuu Nez Perce Tribe. 

Planning is still underway for additional Tribal Pillar events including a free fashion show and music festival featuring Native designers, models and musical artists slated for 5 p.m. on June 13 under the Pavillion at Riverfront Park, as well as a legislative forum and canoe races with a buffalo and salmon feed. To learn more about these events, please click here.

Innovia’s investment is part of a series of events and activities Innovia is gifting to communities across Eastern Washington and North Idaho in celebration of the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary in 2024. More information about these events can be found at innovia.org/fifty.  

Celebrating Community in 2024 

Together with media partner NonStop Local KHQ, Innovia is Celebrating Community, a year-long, region-wide celebration of the volunteers, citizens and organizations that have faithfully served the needs of communities for 50 years in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Each month, Innovia will gift the region with free, inclusive, family-friendly activities and experiences to commemorate the Foundation’s past, present and future of bringing people together to transform lives and communities. Event details will be released at the beginning of each month throughout 2024. 

50th Anniversary Calendar of Events 

In addition to Innovia-sponsored community events, the Foundation has launched an online calendar where individuals and organizations can submit information about celebrations and activities in their community. The calendar is open to any events within the Foundation’s region that are free or low-cost, family-friendly and have a broad community appeal. Calendar entries can be submitted at innovia.org/fifty.  

Photo Drawing 

Community members who attend Innovia-sponsored community events this year are invited to submit their photos from the event for a chance to win a photo drawing. Winners will be selected in March, June, September and December to receive a $250 grant to a nonprofit of their choice. Entries can be submitted by posting photos on Instagram with the hashtag #innoviacelebratescommunity or by submitting through an online form. Full drawing details and rules, including the online submission form, can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

More information about Innovia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, 2024 celebrations and history can be found at innovia.org/fifty. 

Innovia Foundation is proud to partner with NonStop Local KHQ for community coverage of these family free events.