Tribal Governance
Jul 7, 2026

Colville Tribes, WSU launch five-year partnership focused on education and opportunity

Agreement includes athletic branding, academic initiatives and workforce development opportunities for tribal students


July 7, 2026

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Washington State University have launched a five-year partnership that includes athletic branding, academic initiatives and student opportunities, according to reporting from Spokane Public Radio. The agreement includes "1872 Colville Tribes" patches on Washington State University football uniforms, along with educational programs and collaborative events. Colville Tribal Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson said the partnership builds on existing education and research agreements between the tribe and the university.

Erickson said the partnership is intended to support long-term economic growth and expand opportunities for tribal students to pursue careers in fields including health care, forestry and natural resources, according to the Spokane Public Radio reporting. He said the tribe plans to evaluate the agreement based on new partnerships, workforce development and its contribution to the tribe's goal of strengthening financial sovereignty.

  1. 1.Doug Nadvornick. Spokane Public Radio, .

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