SPD, Urban Native Organizations Sign MOU to Strengthen Relationships

Spokane Police, Urban Native Organizations Sign MOU to Strengthen Relationships and Communication

Erin Hut, Communications Director, [email protected]

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2:05 p.m.

The Spokane Police Department (SPD) and a coalition of organizations and representatives of Spokane's urban Native community have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating clear and consistent lines of communication.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to fostering mutual respect and improving public safety outcomes. It also ensures that Native voices are centered in conversations that affect their communities.

"For many Native and Indigenous community members, relationships with law enforcement have been shaped by generations of pain, mistrust, and difficult experiences. I know this all too well through the experiences shared with me by family members. We recognize this reality, and this agreement is about continuing the work of listening, learning, and building stronger relationships rooted in respect and understanding," Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said. "This memorandum of understanding is designed to foster open communication, collaboration, and accountability between the Spokane Police Department and our urban Native partners. I appreciate community leaders' honest commitment to making Spokane safer for all. Building real trust requires ongoing action, and we are dedicated to that work."

"This agreement is an important step toward building stronger relationships rooted in respect, accountability, and trust. Spokane's urban Native community has long called for better communication and coordination with local government and law enforcement, and this commitment shows a promise to listen and work together," said Toni Lodge, Chief Executive Officer of the NATIVE Project. "When partnership and understanding are at the center of our work, we build safer communities for everyone. We hope this agreement stands for a very long time."

The MOU outlines specific actions both SPD and the urban Native community will take, including:

• Improving and increasing information sharing regarding mutual citizens who are American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN);
• Holding annual community conversations or forums to discuss issues of mutual interest, including SPD program planning surrounding reducing use of force, racial disproportionality in community policing, racial bias training, and staffing training and development;
• SPD notifying and debriefing any relevant urban Native organizations regarding any critical incident involving a Native person, their family or the Native population as soon as possible. SPD will also notify and work with the local AI/AN population in cases of missing children or missing or murdered Indigenous persons;
• SPD consulting with the local urban Indian community as to cultural norms and customs when dealing with traumatic, critical or fatal incidents;
• Collectively promoting public safety for the urban Indian community.

"Spokane is home to citizens representing over 300 tribal nations. They have long been leaders and stewards of our community, and this MOU is a commitment to them," said City Administrator Alexander Scott. "In signing this MOU, the City of Spokane and Spokane Police Department commit to listening, showing up, and doing the sustained work of building trust and strengthening collaboration."

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