Honoring National Native American Heritage Month

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November marks National Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural traditions, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This month offers an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples, whose diverse cultures have shaped the fabric of the United States for centuries. It's also a moment to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges they face while honoring the deep connection they have to the land and their communities.

At BHT, we share a commitment to Indigenous communities as we address the unique health challenges they face, which are deeply rooted in historical inequities and ongoing systemic barriers. We support Native-led and Native-serving organizations through both funding opportunities and our Tribal Partners Collaborative, which seeks to bring together community leaders to address Native health.

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, we want to highlight the important work of the Tribal Partners Collaborative, a community-driven initiative that aims to promote collaboration, engagement, and mutual support between local tribal nations and the broader community.

Tribal Partners Collaborative (TPC) launched in 2021 from our Tribal Partners Leaders Council initiatives with a $1.6 million fund to honor and uplift Indigenous health and wellness. We now collaborate with over 12 member organizations across various sectors, leveraging $1.7M for enhanced network administration, resource sharing, and collaboration. The TPC brings together representatives from various tribal nations, local organizations, and stakeholders to work toward common goals that benefit both tribal and non-tribal communities in the greater Spokane area.

TPC serves as a platform for tribes and nonprofit Native by and for partners to engage in dialogue, share resources, and develop strategies to address key issues such as economic development, environmental conservation, education, cultural preservation, and health and wellness. It fosters a cooperative approach, honoring tribal sovereignty, and respects the unique cultural heritage and traditions of Spokane-area tribes, including the Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the Colville Confederated Tribes.

TPC Members

  • American Indian Community Center

  • Lake Roosevelt Community Health Center

  • The NATIVE Project

  • Newe Style Consulting 

  • Empire Health Foundation 

  • Swan Innovations LP

  • Kwu cnxi 

  • Unemployment Law Project - Spokane Office 

  • Salishan Sturgeon Nose Canoes 

  • SPS Native Education

  • Spokane Tribe HHS

  • Spokane Tribal Network

  • Urban Native Youth Organization

  • Yoyot Sp’q’n’i

Learn more about the TPC and the work they are doing!

A Note of Gratitude: Celebrating the Efforts and Achievements of the Tribal Partners Collaborative

“The Tribal Partners Collaborative (TPC) has significantly strengthened its foundation and aligned its work with shared Indigenous values! Recently, the Collaborative has taken exciting steps to rebrand itself, reflecting its dedication to health initiatives deeply rooted in cultural and community-driven approaches. Through a thoughtful review of its core values—belonging, connection, honesty, and consistency—TPC has developed conflict resolution frameworks and policies that promote a supportive and fair environment. They’ve been busy revising bylaws to clarify membership rules, aligning application processes with strategic goals, and onboarding new members with orientation and cultural practices that celebrate Indigenous traditions. The focus on transparency and inclusivity is inspiring! TPC has emphasized transparency and inclusivity, ensuring its policies and structures resonate with the community. Collaborative initiatives such as talking circles, quarterly reviews, and welcoming packages reflect a thoughtful approach to engagement.  

As TPC continues strengthening tribal collaboration, its achievements shine during Indigenous Heritage Month, highlighting cultural continuity, nurturing connections, and paving the way for a healthier and more unified future. Cheers to TPC for their dedication to uplifting Indigenous communities and making a lasting impact.”
— Hadda Estrada, EVP Equity & Strategy

What you can do today to acknowledge Indigenous history