Education Spotlight: Methow Valley Interpretive Center

What they do: The mission of MVIC is to foster understanding and awareness of the Indigenous people and natural history of the Methow Valley and Upper Columbia Region. We do this through education, interpretation, cross-cultural gatherings and more.

Who they serve: We serve up to 300 students each year from schools throughout Okanogan County including on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. This includes field trips to the MVIC, Homestream Park, and other locations, work at Paschal Sherman Indian School, and in-class visits from MVIC staff and volunteers.

What’s new: Our newest project is occurring at Paschal Sherman Indian School on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and it focuses on Traditional Foods Systems, including the creation of a native plant garden at the school. This project is being coordinated by Morgan Moomaw, an Okanogan descendant (the Okanogan are one of the 12 Tribes that make up the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation), which is very exciting. An indigenous project being led by an indigenous woman. Rob Crandall at Methow Natives is an important partner in this work and led the project prior to Morgan Moomaw taking over leadership.

Why the TwispWorks campus is a great fit: The location in the heart of Twisp as well as the collaborative culture that TwispWorks cultivates.

What’s making them smile: Hosting a two-day Native American twining workshop led by three amazing Indigenous teachers, knowledge keepers and leaders.