Starting the academic year 2024-2025, kʷu cnxiʔ is partnered with the Spokane School District to launch a one of a kind educational experience aimed at providing holistic, contextual, meaningful, and culturally grounded educational experiences.    

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snp̓aʔaxʷíltn Immersion School Overview
The Immersion School is a 100% outdoor educational program located on approximately 50 acres. The school operates on a micro-migrational pattern, reflecting the traditional living practices of Salish ancestors. This site, rich with diverse ecosystems and Indigenous plant life, serves as both a physical and cultural landscape for immersive learning experiences rooted in Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture.

Location and Micro-Migrational Infrastructure
The school’s location on the land is utilized to follow a micro-migrational pattern throughout the year. During the winter months, the school will be situated in the southeast corner of the land, where natural features provide warmth and protection from wind. As the weather transitions into the warmer seasons, the school will move towards the northwest side of the land, taking advantage of the seasonal changes in the environment. This pattern not only aligns with traditional Indigenous practices but also reinforces the connection between students and the land through experiential learning.

The school’s infrastructure is minimal, consisting of temporary shelters designed to protect against seasonal weather conditions. These structures are built using minimally invasive materials and methods that are culturally and environmentally appropriate, ensuring that the school remains true to its land-based educational philosophy without the need for permanent buildings.  
 

Curriculum and Educational Approach
The curriculum at the Immersion School is culture-first, meaning that Salish cultural practices and knowledge form the foundation of the educational experience. Educational experts collaborate closely with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to crosswalk traditional knowledge into state educational standards, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that meets academic requirements while deeply engaging with their cultural heritage.

The school is staffed by two state-certified teachers who are intermediate and advanced second language speakers along with a Fluent Elder. The Fluent Elder serves as the primary guide and mentor, leading the implementation of cultural practices. All activities and lessons are designed to follow his knowledge and direction, ensuring that the cultural integrity and authenticity of the teachings are maintained. The advanced second-language speaker supports the language revitalization efforts, working closely with the students to strengthen their language skills in a culturally appropriate context.

Students participate in a wide range of activities, from traditional ecological knowledge and land stewardship to cultural arts and language preservation. The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary and project-based, fostering a holistic learning environment that promotes practical skills, cultural fluency, and environmental stewardship.

Technology Integration
In addition to its focus on traditional knowledge and outdoor learning, the school incorporates modern technology to enhance the educational experience. Digital tools are used to document learning processes, create digital archives of cultural knowledge, and ensure that the educational content is accessible to a broader community.
 

Community Involvement and Partnerships

Community involvement is integral to the school’s operation, with strong partnerships established with local Native communities, educational institutions, and environmental organizations. Elders and Knowledge Keepers are central to the curriculum development process, ensuring that the education provided is both culturally relevant and academically rigorous.

Sustainability and Stewardship
Sustainability is a core value at the Immersion School. The program models sustainable living practices through its operations, including resource conservation, habitat restoration, and the use of renewable materials. Students are actively involved in these sustainability initiatives, learning firsthand the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainable living.