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November 2026 Newsbriefs

Fig Tree Fall Fund Drive continues thru November

The Fig Tree 2026 Fall Fund Drive opened with sending letters to more than 600 sponsors, following up with email reminders and emails to congregations, setting up a Facebook fundraiser and posting regular reminders. There will be another mailing in November and more emails and calls to individuals.

As of Oct. 29, The Fig Tree has raised $8,375 toward the goal of $26,000, leaving $3,500 in board pledges still to be matched to double gifts. Last year at this time, $4,650 had been raised—also including the board matches.

Bulletin inserts and fliers are available to spread the word and invite donations from faith communities and their members. Anyone can make a fundraiser for The Fig Tree on Facebook.

"The Fall Fund Drive is a chance for readers to say they value our media that reflect credible communication, solutions journalism and vital voices," said Marijke Fakasiieiki, development and editorial associate, who is available to speak to groups. "Donations help spread hope, build understanding among diverse people and energize people. When people connect, lives change!"

At the Spring Benefit, speakers suggested some reasons to support The Fig Tree:

• Laurel Fish spoke of the Spokane Alliance sharing The Fig Tree's value of persisting together to work for justice.

• Luc Jasmin III of the Governor's office resonated with the power of persistence to overcome today's exhaustion and fear.

• LaRae Wiley of the Salish School of Spokane knows the power of language and stories. She values how Fig Tree stories "weave together a brilliant tapestry about the work going on in our community, opening relationships...and creating miracles."

To donate, visit thefigtree.org/donate.html or send a check to The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry, Spokane, WA 99202.

Legislative Conference will be Jan. 30


Fourteen nonprofits and faith organizations are planning the 2027 Eastern Washington Legislative Conference on the theme "Creating a Culture of Healing, Peace and Justice" from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond.

Speakers for the opening plenary will focus on issues of prioritizing religious dignity and respect in a pluralistic society.

Fenrir Close of the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane is organizing youth to create art on the theme and discuss their pieces during the youth plenary and an afternoon workshop.

Workshops are being organized by the NAACP Spokane Chapter, Matthew 25, Muslims for Community Action and Support, the Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium, Gonzaga University's Climate Institute, the League of Women Voters, 350 Spokane, Northwest Mediation Center and Indigenous leaders.

Kristin Ang of the Faith Action Network of Washington and Jean Welch Hill of the Washington State Catholic Conference will present an overview of issues coming before the Washington State Legislature on which their faith organizations are encouraging people in congregations to be informed and express their voices.

Forty agencies will have displays on their efforts and there are currently more than 16 sponsors, who donate $125 to $500 to cover costs of the event, along with registration fees of individuals and groups who sign up to attend.

The lead agencies coordinating the planning team are The Fig Tree, Faith Action Network of Washington and Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington.

For information, call 535-1813 or email development@thefigtree.org.

Climate Center sets 'Our Common Home'

Gonzaga University's Institute for Climate, Water and the Environment announces three presentations for its "Our Common Home Lecture Series."

• Rishi Sugla, lead scientist at the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington, Becca Nixon, climate social science specialist, and Dante Jester, climate resilience program manager at the Climate Institute will speak on "Climate Resilience Through Mutual Aid," at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, in the Hemmingson Auditorium and also livestream.

Their presentation focuses on the impacts of climate hazards and extreme weather straining public systems and grassroots networks of care and solidarity as climate resilience.

• "Strategies and Approaches to Equitable, Climate Resilient Water and Sanitation in the United States" features Morgan Shimabuku, senior research specialist at the Pacific Institute, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16 at Hemmingson Auditorium.

She researches solutions to water equity and access challenges, benefits and tradeoffs of water management strategies and water resilience

• "The Inner Dimension of Climate Action: Transformative Skills for Resilience and Regeneration," at noon, Wednesday, Dec. 2, on Zoom features Jamie Bristow, a writer and policy advisor on the application of inner development and contemplative practices in public life, and Haley Crim, the climate curriculum developer at MIT Open Learning.

For information, call 313-6548, email henning@gonzaga.edu or visit gonzaga.edu/climate-institute.

Fall Folk Festival will be Nov. 14 and 15

Volunteers are signing up to assist with the six stages that will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15, at Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St.

The free festival draws about 6,000 attendees to enjoy more than 100 multicultural performances of musicians, dancers and storytellers, plus crafts. It was voted third in The Inlander 2026 Best Arts and Cultural Event Contest.

Doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Performances are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.

The first Fall Folk Festival in 1996 drew about 350 people and 12 groups performing at the Unitarian Universalist Church. The Spokane Folklore Society, founded in 1977 to promote awareness of the region's cultural and folk arts, supports the festival.

For information, call 828-3683, email director@spokanefolkfestival.org or volunteercoordinator@spokanefolkfestival.org, or visit spokanefolkfestival.org.

NAACP organizes restorative justice event

NAACP Spokane Branch and Building Restorative Communities are offering two days of connection, community, healing and restorative justice from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at Gonzaga University School of Law.

This is an opportunity to enjoy community, deepen relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, encounter healing and explore restorative justice practices rooted in Indigenous culture.

Participants may attend one or both days.

For information, visit naacpspokane.com.

SNAP partners to distribute energy-saving kits

SNAP, McKinstry Inland Northwest and Avista Utilities distributed 1,000 energy-saving kits on Oct. 22. The kits include LED light bulbs, window plastic, weather stripping and draft stoppers—tools to help households improve energy efficiency, stay more comfortable and help lower utility bills this winter. Avista provides items for the kits and information on how to conserve energy and reduce utility costs.

For information, call 710-7449 or email dean.henrich@snapwa.org.

Shalom Ministries begins some meals

Shalom Ministries held a community brainstorming meeting Oct. 15 at Westminster Congregational Church to explore its future, having lost its site at the church on Third and Howard.

Oc Oct. 30, using a temporary kitchen, they began serving the breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., Fridays, with CHAS and the Spokane Regional Health District in the Bloom Psychiatry parking lot at 302 E. Pacific. The Monday Night Dinner will be distributed by mobile outreach.

Dexter Phillips, Shalom Board president, said Shalom seeks a day center—a space where neighbors can share a meal, connect with service providers and engage in enriching activities.

"Our goal extends beyond survival," he said. "While food is a foundation, we aim to build a pathway toward lasting recovery and restoration, helping our neighbors address the root causes of their struggles so they can thrive."

For information, visit shalommeal.org.

Baha'is celebrate Twin Holy Birthdays

The Twin Holy Birthdays of The Báb and Bahá'u'lláh will be celebrated by Spokane area members of the Baha'i Faith on Monday evening, Nov. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The days mark the births of the Báb, herald of the Baha'i Faith and Bahá'u'lláh, its prophet and the founder of the Baha'i Faith in 1844 in Iran. The Báb was born the first day of Muharram—the first month in the Islamic calendar—and Bahá'u'lláh on the second day of Muharram, said Deb Bisenius, public information officer for the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is in Spokane.

"The message of Bahá'u'lláh is that of unity," she said. "He founded the most recent of the world's religions. It has about 8 million believers who live in 100,000 locations around the world."

For information, call 326-0152 or visit spokanebahai.org.

Human Rights Spokane names 2026 champions

Four individuals and a group of 11 clergy will be honored as Human Rights Champions at the 2026 Human Rights Spokane Awards Banquet and Auction on Thursday, Nov. 12, at The Centennial, 303 W. North River Dr.

For information, visit humanrightsspokane.org.

Spokane Youth Symphony will perform Nov. 15

The Spokane Youth Symphony (SYS) will perform their first concert of the 2026-27 season at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, at the Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague.

The "Rhythm without Borders" program features all four of the SYS groups—Spokane Youth Strings, Spokane Youth Sinfonietta, Spokane Youth Philharmonics and Spokane Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO).

From June 23 to July 2, the SYSO toured to Sydney, Australia. SYS artistic director Philip Baldwin said such tours motivate involvement and provide Inland Northwest youth with awareness of the larger classical music community. The musicians and their families raise the money for trips.

For information, visit spokaneyouthsymphony.org.

NECC-Zone recognized for work with youth

The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the American Beverage Foundation, whose support helped expand the Northeast Community Center and The ZONE, Spokane's Youth Wellness Zone (YWZ), visited Spokane Oct. 20 to see how their grant supports students' health and well-being.

YWZ is a youth-led initiative that empowers students to define wellness, identify priorities and develop strategies to support mental health. Launched in the 2024-25 school year, it offers an elective wellness class at On Track Academy. Students identify youth wellness needs, propose solutions and work with community partners to develop strategies.

In January 2026, the City of Spokane received $200,000 from the USCM and American Beverage Association's Healthy and Sustainable Communities grant. YWZ increased staff, participation, partnerships and initiatives. 

USCM CEO and executive director Tom Cochran spoke of investing millions in programs that help cities strengthen communities and improve outcomes for children and families. As local leaders need to do more, this partnership is an example of how public and private sectors can work together.

"Investments in young people are investments in the future of our community," said Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown.

During their visit, officials met with students and staff, and toured the wellness classroom and Schoolyard Forest.

"Strong communities are built by leaders who understand their cities and the people they serve," said Kevin Keane, president of American Beverage Association and Foundation.

"The promise to our community's youth was: If you share your priorities and work on strategies to improve youth mental health and wellness, our city's neighborhood and civic leaders, businesses and organizations will support you and take action," said Jene Ray, executive director of the Northeast Community Center and The ZONE.

"Our partnership with The ZONE to create a Youth Wellness Zone in our neighborhood is impacting the lives of young people today and into the future," said On Track Academy principal Chris Burke.

For information, call 625-6740, visit my.spokanecity.org.

Native Action Network honors women

Native Action Network recognized five Native women as the 2026 Enduring Spirit Award Honorees on Oct. 29 and 30 at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish, Wash.

Local honorees are Toni Lodge, Turtle Mountain Chippewa, and Martina Whelshula, an Arrow Lakes Nation citizen with the Colville Confederated Tribe. Three others are Denise Bill, Muckleshoot; Carolyn Hartness, Eastern Band of Cherokee; Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, Pueblo of Isleta.

Toni Lodge, CEO of The NATIVE Project in Spokane, is an elder, mother and grandmother who does intergenerational healing in the Native community. With a background in journalism, education, therapy, grant writing, healthcare and administration, she has led the project for 30 years. She addresses healthcare disparities with an urban Indian organization that offers healthcare, dental, behavioral health and youth services along with prevention and cultural healing.

Martina Whelshula, an educator, trainer and consultant specializing in intergenerational trauma impacting Indigenous communities, has worked on local and national policies, education and behavioral health. She is developing an integrative cultural treatment model to address trauma, mental health and substance use disorders for tribes. Martina, who has been a research director for national Indian health policy, a P-12 tribal language instructor in the public schools and Head Start director for the Colville Tribe, has served seven years as executive director of a Native American inpatient drug and alcohol treatment program for youth.

Denise Bill, executive director of adult and higher education for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, earned an educational doctoral degree from the University of Washington, writing a dissertation on "Native American Educational Leadership in the Pacific Northwest."

Carolyn Hartness, a consultant serving individuals, families, communities, Tribes and organizations nationally and internationally, focuses on holistic, culturally responsive, evidence-based and spiritually grounded wellness that strengthens communities.

For more than 35 years, she consulted with Indigenous communities in the U.S., Canada, Norway, Australia and New Zealand on cultural diversity, wellness, recovery, prevention and intervention related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. She facilitates listening circles with incarcerated Indigenous men and women with the state reentry council. 

Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, a member of the Washington State Supreme Court appointed in 2020 by Governor Jay Inslee, is a Pueblo of Isleta member and a descendant of the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico. She was the second Native American on a state supreme court and the first in this state. After being elected for a six-year term in 2020, she was the first Native American to win Washington statewide. She is also of Jewish descent. 

For information, visit the nativeactionnetwork.org.

YWCA lists 47 nominees

Among 47 leaders nominated for the 2027 YWCA Women of Achievement award is Mary Stamp, The Fig Tree editor.

Nine of them will be selected for an award, as the YWCA Spokane seeks to highlight women doing meaningful, transformative work in Spokane and beyond, women who embody the YWCA mission, give generously of themselves and make Spokane a better place for all.

The nominees are Juli Al-Amin, Madi Allen, Haley Barranger, Mallory Battista, Donalda Brantley, Mary Cameron, Heather Cantamessa, Namva Chan, Angela Chapman, Terri Crafts, Sarah Dixit, Amy Doneen, April Eberhardt, Jennifer Evans, Olivia Evans, Cathy Eylar, Anna Franklin, Marley Hochendoner, Julie Holland, Sydney Krebsbach, Jacquelyn MacConnell, Kathleen Makena, Susan McDonald Osborn, Yalda Mohmand, Danie Monaghan, Lili Navarrete, Kara Odegard, Darya Pilram, Tracy Poindexter-Canton, Traci Rennaker, Majda Ritchie, Stefanie Robinson, Jacquelynne Sandoval, Serra Schlosser, Naghmana Sherazi, Susan Stacey, Mary Stamp, Ana Trusty, Christine Weaver, Julie Wells, Carol West. LaRae Wiley, Latrice Williams, Mary Wood, Maggie Yates, Janice Yoder and Emily York-Hughes.

Over 44 years, YWCA Spokane has honored more than 300 women in nine categories.

The 2027 honorees will be recognized at the Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon Friday, March 12, 2027, which raises funds to support services for women, children and domestic violence survivors.

For information, call 789-9305, or email woa@ywcaspokane.org.

Youth mark Native American Heritage Month

For Native American Heritage Month, the Colville Tribes Youth Development Program is presenting a lecture series during November at the Nespelem Government Center Auditorium.

Three speakers—Shelly Boyd, Shandy Abrahamson and Tony Louie—will discuss Indigenous culture, language, education, music and community.

Shelly, the Sinixt Arrow Lakes cultural facilitator since 2017, will speak at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10. A Sinixt descendent in Inchelium, she reconnects Sinixt people with their ancestral homeland, history, language and culture. As a certified Indigenous language teacher and longtime educator, she preserves Sinixt knowledge, documents ancestral histories and connects future generations.

Shandy, Tribal education and workforce development leader, speaks at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17. A Sinixt and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation from the Omak District, she was previously director of Washington State's Office of Native Education. Her work focuses on strengthening Tribal sovereignty, expanding educational and career opportunities and empowering future generations and professionals.

Tony, an Indigenous singer, song writer, poet, actor and language advocate in Inchelium, will share at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24. A member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, he received the Native American Music Award for his music, which blends country, blues and Indigenous storytelling through soulful performances. Tony is also dedicated to revitalizing Nselxcin through his work with Inchelium Language House to preserve language and culture for future generations.

For information, call 624-2476, visit cct-ene.com/k-12.

SCC creates new path to college degree

Spokane Community College (SCC) has created a path for eligible students to work toward a high school diploma and college degree at the same time, with financial and academic support.

"We've created Running Start for adults," said SCC President Jenni Martin. "It offers the benefits of Running Start to people who aren't in high school anymore. It's a path to finishing college for older people who don't have a high school credential."

Through SCC's High School + College approach, students without a high school credential can earn college credits while completing high school requirements. College coursework can count toward both, allowing students to work on a diploma and associate degree at the same time.

SCC uses its existing High School + waiver and Washington's Ability to Benefit (ATB) provisions to help students complete their first six college credits without paying out of pocket. After that, students can access federal financial aid if they meet requirements.

"Some Washington community and technical colleges offer a waiver for HS+ students taking college level classes, and some offer ATB on a limited basis," said Jaclyn Jacot, SCC vice president of instruction. "SCC is the first college in the state to combine the benefits of HS+ with ATB. The program is faculty-driven, student-centered and focused to move students from earning their high school diploma through a college degree in less time."

Students receive academic support as they learn to navigate college.

"We give students college experience without the college pressure," said Sherri Fujita, dean of Adult Basic Education at SCC.

For information, visit spokane.edu/learn.

 Fig Tree one of 50 SNAP partners recognized

The Fig Tree was one of 50 nominees for the SNAP 2026 Mission and Values Partner Awards honored at SNAP's Partner Appreciation Event Oct. 21, at The Boxcar Room in Spokane. SNAP honored partners, volunteers, vendors and donors.

Chosen from nominees were three for the legacy award, PJ Grabicki, Avista Utilities and Bob Peele homeless advocate; the equity award, Alvaro Figueroa of Avista; the respect award, Bruce Dentler, Linda Howe, Noreen Taylor, Pearl Bouchard, Sharon Niblock of the Eastern Washington Long Term Care Ombudsman.

Recognized for the justice award was Derrick Jenkins of the Carl Maxey Center; the community award, Spokane County Emergency Management, City of Spokane, Spokane Public Schools, Innovia Foundation and American Red Cross; for the fire response award, the Disaster Assistance Center, and for the mission in action award, Neighbors on the Go Carol Stolp, Ken Cogswell, Elaine Terdeal, Marilyn Darilek, Troy Tassin, Bill Fassett, Chelsey Daniels, Merlene Summers and Dale Raugust.

Lindsey Shaw of SNAP said The Fig Tree was nominated because it contributes to SNAP's mission and makes a difference in the lives of Spokane neighbors with its monthly newspaper and annual resource directory.

"The Fig Tree ensures people have access to inspiring stories, important information and resources they need to thrive," she said, pointing out that SNAP values that it makes resources accessible both online and in print.

"Their commitment was evident during the recent disaster response. The Fig Tree showed up at the Disaster Assistance Center with their Resource Guide, recognizing that people needed clear, accessible information at a difficult time," she said.

She also recognized the Fig Tree for quickly creating a Short-Term Directory of Fire Resources to help connect people affected by the fires with the assistance and services.

"The Fig Tree helps strengthen the community by connecting people with opportunities, resources and hope," Lindsey said.

For information, visit snapwa.org and thefigtree.org/directory.html.

Speakers tell of friendship in polarized society

Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith and Learning at Whitworth University will host a discussion with Cornel West and Robert George "On Friendship in a Polarized Society" at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, in the Robinson Teaching Theatre.

Cornel West, the Dietrich Bonhoeffer chair at Union Theological Seminary, teaches courses in philosophy of religion, African American critical thought, classics, philosophy, politics, cultural theory, literature and music.

He previously taught at Harvard University and is a professor emeritus at Princeton University. He earned degrees from both schools.

His 20 books include Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud.

Robert George, McCormick professor of jurisprudence at Princeton and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, served as chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, on the President's Council on Bioethics and on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

He was a U.S. member of UNESCO's World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology and is a former judicial fellow at the U.S. Supreme Court.

A graduate of Swarthmore College, he holds a juris doctorate and master's degrees from Harvard and other degrees from Oxford University.

For information, call 777-3298, email dhenreckson@whitworth.edu or visit whitworth.edu/cms/administration/weyerhaeuser-center-christian-faith-and-learning/upcoming-events.

 

 

 

 

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