Sunday, May 18, 2025 during both services at UUCS

The Whistalks Way sculpture is a powerful symbol of our community coming together to acknowledge the wrongs of our shared past, collectively confront them in the present, and move forward with unity and purpose. This project was born out of our advocacy to rename George Wright Drive — a street that once honored a figure tied to the violent oppression of the Spokane Tribe — into Whistalks Way, a step toward healing and honoring Indigenous heritage.

Led by Professor Margo Hill of the Spokane Tribe, we secured the original street signs to transform these symbols of injustice into a sculpture representing growth, resilience, and hope, in collaboration with local metal sculptor Rick Davis and tribal artist Diane Covington. The sculpture, which incorporates these signs into a tree symbolizing renewal, with an eagle for strength and vision and a noose to honor the pain of the past, will be housed at the church on Whistalks Way, built on the ruins of the old fort once named after General Wright.

This location holds deep significance, transforming a site once tied to oppression into a space for healing and reflection. The initial $5,000 to fund the project was raised by Jacob Johns through the sale of LANDBACK/Reparations jerseys, reflecting the power of community support and collective action. The sculpture serves as a lasting reminder of our collective actions as a community to fight for justice in a harsh world, and how we can transform our shared past into a celebrated present. It stands as a tangible symbol of our shared journey toward truth, healing, and unity, inspiring us all to continue building a more just and inclusive future together. We now seek an additional $5,000 to expand the sculpture to match the scale of the original signs and cover materials, fabrication, and artist fees, ensuring that this powerful symbol is brought to life in its fullest form.

If you’d like to contribute to this special collection, you may do so when it is announced during services, by mailing a check to the church (4340 West Whistalks Way, Spokane, WA 99224) or by donating online at the church website. Be sure to note in the memo section that your contribution is for the special collection.

Take me to the online donation page.

Thanks again for your kindness and generosity!