Who We Are:
The Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney-Spokane Chapter is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit, volunteer-based organization that is committed to the recognition and presentation of the ice age floods as a significant part of the Inland Northwest’s, nation’s, and the world’s, natural heritage. The Chapter includes, among its members, many amateur and professional geologists, as well as members with interests or careers in fields, such as agriculture, anthropology, archaeology, biology, community development, education, geography, government, history, outdoor recreation, photography, as wells as numerous others. Many citizens are just interested in learning about the geological history of where they live and visit

We sponsor field trips and lectures, facilitate the exchange of information among interested individuals, organizations and agencies, and work to expand the range of interpretive resources and materials available to the public.

The Chapter is affiliated with the Ice Age Floods Institute that was incorporated in 1995; membership fees are shared equally with the Institute.

Territory:
In general, the Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney-Spokane Chapter serves and represents the region that includes the following counties in the State of Washington-Spokane, Stevens, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Whitman and adjacent parts of Lincoln and Adams counties; in Idaho-Western counties that include the cities of Coeur d’Alene and Moscow.

History:
In 2003, the beginning of the Cheney-Palouse Chapter was initiated by a group of individuals whose interest was to establish ties to the Ice Age Floods Institute, an organization that promoted awareness and understand of ice age floods in the Inland Northwest.

The first provisional meeting of the Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney-Palouse Chapter, was held on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 in the Eastern Washington University Science Building, Room 137; 45 individuals attended. Interim President, Ruth Jordan, lead the meeting of 45 individuals by introducing the Ice Age Floods story, purposes of the Cheney-Palouse Chapter, formalizing officer and committee structures, identifying requirements for chapter meetings and field trips, and discussing prior work initiated to become a recognized Chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute . Dr. Gene Kiver conducted a program on "Catastrophic Flood Paths in the Pacific Northwest", or "What happened here?!!"

The second meeting was held on May 12, 2004 and Interim President, Ruth Jordan, advised attendees that the Provisional Status Structure had been accepted by the Ice Age Floods Institute and that The Cheney-Palouse Chapter was now a fully-recognized Chapter with 76 founding members.

On March 8, 2007, the name of the Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney-Palouse Chapter was changed to Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney-Spokane Chapter.

Mission Statement - Cheney-Spokane Chapter:
With its affiliate, the Ice Age Floods Institute, the Cheney-Spokane Chapter is an alliance of individuals dedicated to promoting the Ice Age Floods story and to serving a growing community of Ice Age Floods enthusiasts by offering education, cultural, and social activities to foster knowledge in the Ice Age Floods, no matter the individuals background or experience.

Mission - Ice Age Floods Institute:
The mission of the Ice Age Floods Institute is:
(a)To promote awareness and understanding of the Ice Age Floods among general audiences at the local, regional, national, and international levels, through active participation in a partnership of educational, scientific, conservation, transportation, economic, and community interests and agencies.

(b) To develop relationships and resources to ensure an effective, coordinated, regional approach to the authoritative presentation of the Ice Age Floods story, and, as may be appropriate, to collaborate in programs that may include other aspects of the natural and cultural history of the region.

Purposes:
The Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney-Spokane Chapter is organized for the following purposes:
(a) To promote awareness and understanding of the Ice Age Floods and other related geological events among general audiences at the local level, through independently developed programs and activities and in collaboration with and including Eastern Washington University as well as other educational, scientific and conservation interests within the region the Chapter represents.

(b) To develop relationships and resources to ensure an effective, coordinated regional approach to the authoritative presentation of the Ice Age Floods story, and, as may be appropriate, to collaborate in programs that may include other aspects of the natural and cultural history of the region.

(c) To participate and collaborate with the National Park Service and other governmental agencies in the development of interpretive, educational and visitor information programs and resources that may be expected to generate local and regional economic and cultural benefits, either directly or indirectly.

(d) To serve as a clearinghouse for individuals and groups seeking information, educational materials or contacts relating to the Ice Age Floods and related geological events.

(e) To receive and expend funds for such purposes and engage in any or all activities that are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above listed purposes, insofar as these may be allowed under the laws or regulations that may now or hereafter be applicable to this Chapter.