After serving as a member of the Spokane Public Schools Board (SPS) since 2019, a Yakama Nation tribal member, Jenny Rose Slagle, has taken on a new role of presidency for the school board on December 3rd, 2025. Slagle is now the first indigenous woman to take a position as president on the Spokane Public Schools board.
“I wanted to do something to help future students that were encountering such a large school system, let alone it being in a public school,” said Slagle. “I thought I could really make a difference in using my experience as a parent and as an urban native person, and also leaning on the experiences that I had back on the reservation.”
Spokane parents and guardians respond to this new presidency with hope for representation and culture protection. Spokane parent Samuel Ives has recognized this concept and voiced his concerns.
“We need that representation. I remember, growing up, we didn’t learn about the true history behind the Native Americans,” Ives said. “So, I am hopeful that we see a shift now that more and more native individuals take on leadership roles.”
Along with her title of presidency for the Spokane Public Schools Board, Slagle is also labeled as an entrepreneur. Following the first restaurant to serve indigenous cuisine and have indigenous ownership, Slagle and her husband opened Spokane’s first native-owned boutique: Indigenous Chic.
“It pushes native culture and native art into the forefront,” Kale Nissen said, an Indigenous Chic retail associate. “It does great in letting others know that we’re willing to share our culture, and we want people to be a part of it, because otherwise, it goes away.”
Indigenous Chic opened its doors to the public on November 1st of 2025 in downtown Spokane, featuring fashion of Native American origin.
“We have people come in all the time asking if we’re able to sell their bead work, ribbon skirts, or ribbon shirts,” Nissen said. “Jenny does work with people in the area, but most of the brands are from all over the country. The local work is just artists reaching out and building a relationship, so there are a few things sold here that are local.”
A lack of positive representation in indigenous communities has been referenced as a personal drive for Slagle, both in her position as president for the SPS Board and as a co-owner to Indigenous Eats and Indigenous Chic.
“One thing I try to promote across all the positions that I hold is representing the native people,” Slagle said. “Modern native people are not in the broader society but we bring our culture and a lens of community that we can share.”
Building onto the motivators Slage had described, she emphasizes the support she had received from both mentors and colleagues on the school board which has shaped her journey to presidency.
“As far as my position on the school board, I’m really grateful that I can also lean on others,” Slagle said. “The leadership that we have has been built over the last 6 to 7 years, so there’s been that consistency in the board. And then the district leadership is amazing.”
When asked about her endeavors in the local business world and in her position on the school board, Slagle emphasized the importance of education.
“I would encourage people to educate themselves, learn about how to run a business and take advantage of all the great resources,” she said. “There’s economic chambers or business chambers that are here locally. Take advantage of those learning opportunities, whether it’s in the classroom or some hands-on experiences, just to start.”
