'Simple as that': Kalispel Tribe to rebrand Cusick casino to traditional Salish spelling, 'Qlispé'
The Kalispel Tribe will rename its Cusick casino to Qlispé, the traditional Salish spelling, to honor its language and culture.Summary
The Kalispel Tribe is rebranding its Cusick, Washington, casino from Kalispel Casino to Qlispé Casino, using the accurate Salish spelling and pronunciation (kuh-lee-SPEH). The casino, which opened in 2019 as a modest $10 million project with an RV park and gas station, has become profitable and employs 60 people. Tribal vice chairman Curt Holmes says the facility was intended to provide jobs and entertainment for the reservation, and its success now supports cultural and language revitalization. The name Qlispé translates to "Camas People," referring to the tribe's historical reliance on the camas plant. Tribal elder JR Bluff and historian Annette Pierre emphasize that the correct spelling and pronunciation connect to ancestors and identity, replacing outsider attempts like "Kalispel." Casino revenues, including from Northern Quest, fund services such as the Camas Center for Community Wellness, scholarships, and Salish language programs for children and adults. The tribe plans further rebranding and hopes the language will flourish as more children learn it.
(Source：Spokane Spokesman-Review)