For countless generations, the area at the north edge of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the origin of the Spokane River was the home of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Here the original inhabitants of the land encamped for the summer, making use of the abundant natural resources in the area. Tepees and other dwellings dotted the landscape all around.

The land is known to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe as Yap-Keehn-Um, "the gathering place," and a tepee will be erected there again Wednesday at 10 a.m. during a how-to workshop that is free and open to all.

The workshop will take place at the Human Rights Education Institute, 414 W. Mullan Road, adjacent to City Park.

Facilitators from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, including Culture Director Quanah Matheson, will lead the set-up of a real, 20-foot tepee.

Important aspects of the tepee's construction, design and place in Coeur d'Alene culture will be explained. Audience members - children, adults and families - will have the opportunity to participate and ask questions.

After set-up of the tepee, HREI will hold a demonstration inside the institute of more traditional Coeur d'Alene lodgings, to become a part of the year-long display.

As part of the day's programming, children will also have the opportunity to complete art projects about tepees and other aspects of American Indian culture.

The goal of the program is to learn more about Coeur d'Alene and American Indian culture, and to appreciate American Indian heritage, lifestyles and beliefs.

The program is made possible with support from the Idaho Humanities Council, a state-based program of the National Endowment for Humanities.