In the early 1986, Norma Gavin introduced an idea to her filipino friends about forming a group that would extend friendship between filipinos in the Inland Empire and preserve our Philippine heritage through social and cultural activities. Her desires became public in the Spokane Chronicle on August 28th, 1986. In early 1987, the first meeting was held in the basement of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in downtown Spokane. Twenty-eight people attended. It was estimated that there were about 150 filipino families living in Spokane and its surrounding areas.

On June 12, 1987 the Articles of Incorporation, as a non-profit organization, were signed by Matt Buan, Jose Eballar, Sonia Garcia, Norma Gavin, Stan Mundell and Irene Schatz. The above signatories constituted the initial Board of Trustees and Officers.Presently, affairs of the association are managed and directed by the Board of Trustees, which consits of nine elected members, and four officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary).

Currently, the Association has over 200 members in the Inland Northwest area, who are supportive of the organizations activities, such as the Valentines Day Party, the Easter Picnic/Egg Hunt, Philippine Independance Day, Neighbor Day Celebration at Riverfront Park, Pista Sa Nayon summer Picnic and our annual fundraising activities. The Filipino-American Association is involved in various social, humanitarian, and cultural events. Our Christmas carolers spent extra time during the holiday season singing Christmas songs to friends. The Silangan Dancers work very hard to fulfill their duties as the FAAIE ambassadors of goodwill, performing Filipino folk dances throughout the Inland Empire.