Governor's Heritage Award - Robert Sherwood

Robert Sherwood of Wellpinit, on the Spokane Indian Reservation, is an elder of the Spokane Tribe. Born and raised on the reservation, he spent much time during his childhood with the elders and learned the Spokane language, songs, history, and stories. For six years, Sherwood was the tribal cultural advisor. At a time when the Spokane were being strongly influenced by Plains-derived powwow culture, he taught and advanced the cause of Spokane songs, drumming, and dance, establishing two drum groups that specialized in Spokane material. Now a volunteer cultural teacher, he helped organize Four Bands, a tribal community association devoted to establishing a museum and cultural center. An active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he was local commander for five years. Sherwood is presently involved in a project to computerize the vocabulary of the Spokane language.