1. Spokane Tribe of Indians
9th grade English

2. Spokane
Spokane means “Children of the sun.”

3. Early Existence
In the early existence of the Spokane Tribe, over three million acres of land were lived upon, protected and respected by the Spokane Indians. The Spokane Indians fished the Spokane River and used the grand Spokane Falls as a gathering place of family and friends. The Spokanes lived along the river in three bands known as the Upper, Middle and Lower Spokane Indians. Depending upon the season of the year, traditional camp sites were lived in.

4. Spokane Falls

5. Creation of the Reservation
In January of 1881, President Rutherford B. Hayes, by executive order, formally declared the Spokane Indian Reservation the new and smaller home of the Spokane Indians. The tree bands of Indians were split up and some found new homes which are now known as the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation, the Flathead Indian Reservation, and the Colville Indian Reservation.

6. is located in the state of Washington.
Spokane Indian Reservation
is located in the state of Washington.

7. Current Reservation
Today, the Spokane Indian Reservation is approximately 159,000 acres in size. Tribal membership as of April 2011 is 2708, strong and growing. As in the past, national resources are protected by the Spokane Indians.
Today, the Spokane Indian Reservation has:
108,874 acres of forest land
8,552 acres of agricultural land
10,328 acres of lakes
25 maintained camp sites

8. Spokane Indian Traditions
Language: Salish-Spokane-Kalispel

9. Poverty in Spokane Reservation
Residents with income below the poverty level in 2009:
Spokane Reservation:
43.3%
Whole state:
16.2%
Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2009:
16.1%
5.6%