Culture

UCUT Culture Projects: Preserving Indigenous Traditions, Protecting Sacred Sites, and Revitalizing Tribal Languages in the Upper Columbia Basin

UCUT Cultural Preservation Projects: Honoring Tribal Traditions, Sacred Lands, and Indigenous Knowledge in the Upper Columbia Basin

Cultural preservation is at the heart of UCUT’s mission. Through collaborative projects and community engagement, we protect sacred sites, revitalize Indigenous languages, and strengthen intergenerational connections. These efforts ensure that the traditions, stories, and values of our Member Tribes endure for generations to come.

Goals and Outcomes

Protect and restore culturally significant landscapes and historical landmarks
Support Indigenous language revitalization and cultural education
Engage youth and elders through storytelling, art, and traditional practices
Honor sacred sites and cultural protocols in all UCUT projects
Promote awareness of Indigenous history and contributions across the region

View our Culture Projects

20 Year Report

Over the past 20 years, the UCUT have developed and implemented hundreds of projects on issues of common concern: to protect, preserve, and enhance Treaty and Executive Order tribal rights, sovereignty, culture, fish, water, wildlife, habitat and other interests and issues for the benefit of all people. The natural resources managed by the UCUT yield millions of dollars annually to the …

United for the Benefit of All

To ensure a healthy future for the traditional territorial lands of our ancestors through a proactive and science-based approach to promoting Indian culture, fish, wildlife, and habitat, the UCUT provide one voice for our region. Together, the UCUT have worked hard to create a better environment for future generations. In order to continue, we need the support of regional lawmakers and …

Grand Coulee and the Forgotten Tribe

For thousands of years, the Spokane River was the lifeblood of the Spokane Tribe. When Grand Coulee Dam was completed in 1942, Lake Roosevelt was created, raising the waters of the Columbia and Spokane Rivers some 70 feet. Traditional fishing sites, burial grounds, and sacred cultural gathering places lay beneath Lake Roosevelt. There were no options for the people of the Spokane Tribe …

Pow Wow and Community Outreach

The UCUT provides a high-level service to our five member tribes and their enrolled members by participating at annual powwows, encampments and gatherings that our tribes organize. The UCUT central staff set up a display booth and talk with people interested in the science-based projects and other activities. World-class dancing, drumming, art, food, friendship, and fun are also …

Drumheller Springs Natural Park

The economy and quality of life for residents of the greater Inland Northwest region are directly tied to our natural environment. With this in mind, the UCUT formally adopted an urban, north-side Spokane Park called Drumheller Springs in 2005.

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Explore More of Our Work

Want to see what else we’re doing across the Upper Columbia region? Browse all of our ongoing and completed projects.

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Meet the Tribes Behind the Work

Our projects are made possible by the leadership and collaboration of five sovereign tribal nations. Learn more about the Member Tribes that make up UCUT and their connection to this land.

Discover The Tribes

Have a Question or Want to Learn More?

We’re here to connect. Reach out to our team for more information about this project or to explore ways to get involved.

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