Wednesday 12 February 2014

http://www.spokanetribe.com/

I looked at the website for the Spokane tribe, who are located in Wellpinit in Washington. The website has a professional, business-like appearance. In fact, it is more like a website for a business rather than a tribe or community. I got the sense from this website that the tribe was trying to present itself as just as much as part of America as non-Native Americans. For example, the opening paragraph on their homepage refers to them as continuing to "contribute to the larger community of Spokane, Washington." They seem to be portraying an identity that is helpful and compliant to America, although still independent of it, almost as if they are business partners.

Unlike other tribe websites that I looked at, the Spokane tribe seem reluctant to discuss their history on their website. All they say is that in "earlier times" they lived on over 3 million acres of land in the Washington area.They also mention that the Spokane Falls were an important part of social life. The tone this is written in is very matter-of-fact, as if as a tribe they have forgiven the past. Nothing is said of the history of the tribe and settlers in America, nor of the process of 'removal'. It is as if they want to forget what has happened to them, or maybe that it doesn't matter anymore. There is some hint of bitterness about the past, however, in the sentence that the Spokane Indian Reservation was "formally declared" to be the "new and smaller home of the Spokane Indians". This suggests that the past has not been forgotten, that they are aware of injustices, but just don't want it to be a part of their website. The reservation is 157,376 acres and has a membership of 2441 (in 2006).

Space is given on the homepage to STEP - Spokane Tribal Economic Project. This is a plan for development of the tribal land. Again, whilst viewing the video, I had the sense of the Spokane tribe seeing themselves as businessmen, which also suggests a willingness to assimilate with American life. In talking about their plans, they seem keen to reassure that it has met all of America's federal and state guidelines, as well as Native American guidelines such as those laid out by the BIA. The video talks about how it will boost both local and regional economy, showing that it sees itself as a part of the wider community and is trying to integrate with it. However, towards the end of the video, some issues facing the tribe come to light. The video states that the rate of unemployment on the reservation is at 50%, that there is a shortage of housing, little to no healthcare and that there is a decline in finance for programs such as education. None of these things are mentioned anywhere else on the website. It give the impression that the tribe doesn't really want people to know about the problems it faces, but will if it means that it will help them address these problems - by funding projects such as STEP.

Overall, this website gave the impression that the Spokane are very progressive and forward-looking. Whilst maintaining their own individuality, they want to be a part of America and work towards a better future for themselves and the local American community. They show a willingness to become more American, as long as America respects their way of life. It shows that their identity is a complex, perhaps dual one.

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