Through outreach and partnership between the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and Riverview School District, Riverview Superintendent, Dr. Anthony L. Smith, is proud to announce that Snoqualmie Tribal flags will be installed at Riverview schools beginning in April 2021.
Land acknowledgment plaques will also be placed near the flags, recognizing that Riverview School District buildings are on the Indigenous Land of Coast Salish peoples who have reserved treaty rights to this land, specifically the Snoqualmie Tribe (sdukwalbixw).
“The Snoqualmie Tribe is pleased to work with the Riverview School District on this project,” said Jolene Williams, Snoqualmie Tribal Council Member. “It’s important that students and their families know on whose traditional lands they reside, learn, and work, and that they know that the Snoqualmie people have always been here, and continue to be here and care for these lands.”
The United States Department of Arts and Culture has indicated the importance of land acknowledgment as a means of offering recognition and respect to the Indigenous Peoples of our region and nation. Recognizing tribal land also creates a broader public awareness of the history of Indigenous People, while taking a cue from Indigenous protocols and opening up spaces with reverence and respect.
“The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe has been gracious in providing flags and plaques for us to display in the Riverview School District,” shared Dr. Smith. “We deeply respect the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and value their partnering with our schools. These flags and plaques, and what they represent to our communities, are a wonderful example of Riverview’s ongoing and continuing work with equity and inclusionary practices.”
The receiving of Tribal flags and land acknowledgment plaques coincides with the 166th anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Point Elliott, which occurs on January 22 of each year. The treaties are contracts between sovereign nations and serve as a key foundation of the Federal government’s relationship with and obligation to the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.
The Riverview School District is grateful for this generous gift from the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and value this opportunity to further strengthen our relationship and understanding.