Xaʔtu̓s -First Face- for Mental Health

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Xaʔtu̓s -First Face- for Mental Health

xaʔtu̓s (pronounced hah-toos) is the Salish word for First Face. It describes an individual who steps up for someone in crisis
https://linktr.ee/firstface

04/29/2026

It is that time of year again!

Join the Spokane Tribe Language & Culture program for the 33rd Annual White Camas Root Dig! This community gathering is a wonderful time for connection and participating in traditional food ways.

Date: April 30th, 2026

Time: 10:00am

Location: Twin Lakes near Harrington
Coffeepot Lake Rd- Right on
Highline Rd

Lunch will be provided at noon at Twin Lakes.

Request or pick up maps from the Language & Culture program.

Contact Adrina Wynecoop at adrinaw@spokanetribe.com or (509) 458-6589.

04/28/2026

Autism has been at the center of many conversations in recent years where it concerns mental and general health.

"Why am I hearing so much about autism these days?"

The truth is that we are hearing more about autism as the condition becomes more well-understood. Autism is more common than previously thought, and more study is being devoted to understanding how autism impacts those who experience it.

Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a complex condition that affects a person's ability to interact with others and the world around them, communicate, and progress toward developmental goals. There is no single way to experience autism, just as there is no single identified cause.

Studies have identified a link between autism and certain genetic conditions. Environmental factors are suspected to play a part as well, but there is a lot we do not know yet.

What is known is that people living with autism deserve access to resources and opportunities that can improve their quality of life.

Organizations such as the Autism Society of American and Autism Speaks advocate for increased access to screening, services, and support structures for those who live with autism, as well as the family and friends who help to care for them

Learn more about autism and how you can help increase acceptance and resources for a great quality of life for all!

04/24/2026

Diversity in the workplace and community spaces enriches everyone who has an opportunity to learn from varied experiences!

Diverse groups can tackle problems with more creativity together, and can share stories of navigating similar situations in different ways.

Celebrate Diversity Month is a good time to be intentional in our interactions with others around us. Seeking out opportunities to become more knowledgeable about the culture and lifestyles of those we share our communities with is a great endeavor.

Take time to appreciate the differences and similarities in the many lifeways of your neighbors year round!

04/18/2026

Join the Coeur d'Alene Tribe Environmental Programs Office in a celebration of Earth Day for the 2026 Climate Expo!

Learn about efforts that are focused on environmental restoration and community resilience.

When: April 21st, 2026

Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm

Where: Stensgar Pavilion at the Circling Raven Golf Course- Worley, ID

For more information, reach out to Aiyana James by phone: 208-686-1088 or email: aiyana.james2@cdatribe-nsn.gov

04/16/2026

"Everybody's stressed out these days!"

So why is stress such a big deal?

While it is normal to experience stress in reaction to many different types of events, chronic stress can affect us in many ways.

In the First Face for Mental Health training, we share how the four directions of our general wellbeing can be impacted by various situations and conditions.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety can occur as a reaction to stress and may cause persistent feelings dread that can interfere with one's everyday life.

To learn more about the impacts of stress and how to cope, access these resources or visit our website at firstface.org.

Sources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet

https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/

04/14/2026

If you are a student, or are deciding to enroll in a college program related to natural resources, check out this opportunity hosted by Washington State University to meet the workforce needs of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation:

Intertribal Natural Resources Curriculum Development Summit

Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 8AM-4PM, at the Coeur d’Alene Casino & Resort

Use the link to register

**Registration is free**

Link:

http://bit.ly/inrcd-summit26

Questions? Reach out to Cola Boyer (509-359-7360, cboyer29@ewu.edu), Maya Esquivido-Strom (360-704-1068, MEsquivido@sbctc.edu), or Naomi Bender (509-434-5121, Naomi.Bender@ccs.spokane.edu)

04/01/2026

Join the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation for their yearly Spring Bazaar and Community Easter Egg Hunt!

Where: Lucy Covington Government Center

21 Colville Street, Nespelem, WA 99155

When: Friday, April 3rd, 2026

10am until 7pm

For more details, contact Rosa Carter or Loryn Joseph via Facebook Messenger

You can also email roosaaa24@yahoo.com

03/31/2026

Join the Spokane Tribe of Indians Prevention Program for their Culture Connections events!

Beginning in April, you can learn how to make moccasins or beaded lanyards at one of two sites:

Every 1st Wednesday beginning 4/1/2026

Spokane, WA
1025 W. Indiana Ave
Spokane, WA 99205

Contact Rachel Ferguson with questions at rachel.ferguson@dcwmhc.com

Every 3rd Wednesday beginning 4/15/2026

Wellpinit, WA
Spokane Tribe Wellpinit Health and Human Services Building Conference Room
6195 Ford-Wellpinit Road
Wellpinit, WA 99040

Contact Mariah Sherwood or Gracie Denison with questions at mariah.sherwood@dcwmhc.com and gracie.denison@dcwmhc.com

03/21/2026

Today is International Day of Forests, a United Nations observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the world’s forests and their role in addressing climate change.

For many of our Native communities, our relationship with the forest is reciprocal. We take only what is needed, and in return, we practice responsible stewardship to ensure the forest can continue providing for our communities in the future.

Our forests play a vital role in our existence. Our relationship to the land anchors our cultural practices, traditions, and ways of life. Stewardship of our lands is both a cultural expression and an expression of our Tribes' sovereignty and governing authority.

When we lose our forests, we lose more than trees. We risk losing a cultural foundation that sustains our tribal identities, and we weaken a vital expression of our sovereignty and self-determination.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

03/13/2026

Spring can be a difficult time of year for those struggling with su***de related thoughts or behaviors. We want to remind everyone that you are not alone and that support and resources are available for you and your loved ones.

988 is the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and is available for anyone experiencing a mental health, su***de, or substance use related crisis, or for those supporting a loved one who may be struggling. You can call or text 988 to connect with a culturally competent crisis counselor who can help de-escalate the situation and work with you to create a safety plan.

You can find a robust list of additional resources on the First Face website: firstface.org/resources

03/12/2026

On March 10th, our First FACE Team visited the Coeur d’Alene Tribe community to conduct a community survey. We thank everyone at the tribe who helped organize this visit, and especially the community members who shared their time and perspectives through the survey. Your participation helps us work together to better understand mental health awareness. Thank you for welcoming us!
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe

03/08/2026

International Women’s Day honors the collective strength and resilience of women in their ongoing fight for equality and liberation. Indigenous feminism addresses specific challenges faced by women in Indigenous communities, addressing gender inequality in a way that reflects our wide range of cultural values and histories. Mainstream feminism sits largely within a Western context and is influenced by heteronormative assumptions, while Indigenous feminism gives space for equality beyond traditional gender expectations, advocating for the rights of all regardless of gender expression.

Address

5600 E 8th Avenue
Spokane Valley, WA
99212

Telephone

+15097958342

Website

https://linktr.ee/firstface

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