VA officials said the structure was built in recognition of Native American contributions to the U.S. armed forces with the understanding that warriors cannot be healed physically until they also are healed spiritually.
“Not only Native American, but all veterans now have a place to go to get healed,” said Victor LaSarte, a Coeur d’Alene tribal member and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War.
The 1,176-square-foot, open-air structure was built on the northwest corner of the medical center’s campus with VA capital improvement funds. It incorporates two sweat lodges, one for women and one for men.
“It’s like moving from a reservation shack to a new HUD home,” LaSarte said of the upgrade.
The new structure, which replaces a nearby dilapidated sweat lodge, was designed by Spokane VA engineer Dean Fowler.
