No matter what city hosts an AISES National Conference, you can be sure we will be convening on tribal land, and the 2020 AISES National Conference is no exception. It will be held on territory that historically was — and still is — home to the Spokane Indian Tribe, whose lands once spanned 3 million acres.
For millennia the Spokane Tribe lived along the Spokane, Columbia, and other rivers in eastern Washington, practicing a seasonal way of life that included hunting, fishing (especially salmon), gathering, and trading with their neighbors. A principal point for the tribe’s trading and fishing was the spectacular Spokane Falls (the city that came later was originally named Spokane Falls). The falls are still the heart of the city, and there are many ways to enjoy this beautiful place. One is Riverfront Park, site of Expo ’74, the 1974 World’s Fair, and home to the annual Gathering at the Falls Powwow every September.
One of the most popular things to do at the park is hop in a gondola for a trip on the Numerica SkyRide, voted one of the “Top 12 Scenic Cable Rides in the World†by Condé Nast Traveler. Don’t forget your camera — during the 15-minute ride you’ll get the best views of the falls as well as the nearby Huntington Park Natural Area. Other attractions in Riverfront Park include pedal karts, a spider jump, and the historic 1909 Looff Carrousel, whose hand-carved animals will give you a nostalgic ride (yes, there’s even a brass ring).
Or lace up your sneakers and hit the 40-mile, paved, and car-free Centennial Trail, which passes right by the Spokane Convention Center. A walk on this designated National Recreation Trail will repay you with great river views from many angles.
If you’re looking for indoor diversions, Spokane has several museums that are well worth a visit. The Smithsonian-affiliated Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is located just outside downtown in the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood. Exhibits focus on art and regional history, including Indigenous peoples of the area
Overlooking Spokane Falls is the Mobius Science Center, which offers dynamic exhibits to spark inquiry across STEM disciplines. Step outside the center to visit Huntington Park with its spectacular up-close views of Spokane Falls, the Spokane Bridge, and the iconic Monroe Street Bridge. The park also features many public art installations, including representations of Native culture, and informational exhibits on hydroelectric history.
Spokane prides itself on innovation and creativity, and it’s easy to find art installations that will inspire you — there’s even a gallery in city hall. Or head to the free Jundt Art Museum at Spokane’s Gonzaga University, which holds more than 5,000 pieces by local, regional, national, and international artists including a collection of glass by Dale Chihuly.
If you’d rather look to nature for inspiration, there’s the 78-acre Manito Park and Botanical Gardens recognized for the diverse horticultural displays in its five major garden areas, which are separated by native ponderosa groves, plus a conservatory.
If all this exploring has made you hungry, think about sampling some regional specialties like Washington steelhead, the official state fish. With ample rivers, lakes, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, delicious fresh seafood is a menu staple in Spokane.
Calling Spokane Members and Friends!
No AISES National Conference can happen without the contributions of the Local Volunteer Committee. Your ideas and hands-on participation are crucial to the success of the conference and play a big part in making possible the knowledge, insights, and memories of Spokane that conference-goers will take with them. Please consider joining the committee and volunteering at the conference. For more information about being part of the next great AISES gathering, contact Katherine Cristiano, director of special events, at kcristiano@aises.org.
Colleges & Universities
