In Spark Central’s Taproot Speaker Series, Spokane cultural and community leaders entertain and inspire audiences with the story of how they came to do what they do today. October 18th's speakers are Christopher Parkin and LaRae Wiley from the Salish School of Spokane, who will share the story of saving a language. An audience Q&A follows every performance. Come sip wine with us and be inspired! Open to the public.

LaRae Wiley is a Sn̓ʕay̓ckstx (Lakes Indian) woman, mother, and grandmother.  She is a graduate of Eastern Washington University where she studied music, history, and education.  LaRae is the Executive Director of Salish School of Spokane, and she is a singer, song writer and Native American activist who works to share the history and culture of Spokane's first people with the greater community.  She is a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and is a new fluent speaker of Salish.

Christopher Parkin was born and raised in Deer Park, Washington, and is a graduate of Eastern Washington University.  For many years he was a high school Spanish, ESL and social studies teacher.  He now works as the principal and curriculum developer at Salish School of Spokane.  Chris is a new fluent speaker of Salish, the first language of Spokane.

LaRae and Chris have been married for 32 years.