History of Flathead Lake’s Tribes
Flathead Lake’s history is heavily impacted by the Indigenous tribes who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Their enduring presence and influence in the present day are evidence of their resilience. Here is a look at the history of the native tribes of Flathead Lake:
The Tribes of Flathead Lake
Three tribes have historically resided around Flathead Lake. They hunted, gathered, fished, and found shelter here, and they consider Flathead Lake and its surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests sacred. They traded, formed alliances, and had conflicts with each other and nearby tribes. Now, the tribes are collectively known as the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation (CSKT).
The Bitterroot Salish (Séliš) – The Salish were originally called “Flathead” Indians because of a misunderstanding with European explorers that led them to believe the Salish flattened their heads. Because they were the first tribe to have a diplomatic relationship with the United States, the name Salish has been used to refer to all tribes, including the Pend d’Oreille, who speak one of the Salish languages.
The Kootenai (Ksanka) – Their language is distinct from the other languages in the region. Their traditional territory extends into Idaho and Canada.
The Upper Pend d’Oreille (Ql̓ispé) – The Pend d’Oreille are also known as the Kalispel, which is where the town of Kalispell gets its name. They are divided into two factions, with the Lower Kalispel belonging to the Kalispel Tribe of Indians in Washington State.
The First Europeans
Before the tribes of Flathead Lake had direct contact with any European explorers, they had indirect exposure to European goods through trade with other tribes. The introduction of horses in the mid-1700s particularly changed their way of life. Diseases, such as smallpox, likewise made their way to the tribes before they were discovered. By the late 1700s, French, British, and Canadian fur traders were active in Montana, and Jesuit missionaries soon followed them.
The Treaty of Hellgate of 1855
Then, 1805 brought the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which was the first contact by U.S. representatives.
Over the next 50 years, more American settlers arrived in the area. Meanwhile, the tribes of Flathead Lake were struggling with conflict with the nearby Blackfeet tribe. Hoping to find a solution, they entered into negotiations with Isaac Stevens, the superintendent of Indian Affairs and signed the treaty. Unfortunately, the tribes didn’t understand what they were agreeing to due to poor translation, and Stevens was only interested in getting the tribes to cede their territories in the Bitterroot Valley and relocate to the Flathead Lake Reservation, which the treaty created. The tribes resisted relocation, but they were eventually compelled by force.
Further Loss of Land
The Dawes Act of 1887, and its extension to Flathead Lake, the Flathead Allotment Act of 1904 had a devastating effect on tribes’ rights. They divided tribal territories into allotments, and each head of a native family was assigned an allotment. The aim was to integrate Native Americans into the mainstream capitalist farming economy by promoting individual land ownership, while simultaneously undermining communal land ownership and tribal governance. Tribal land that was declared “surplus” was sold to non-native settlers, whose population grew rapidly, leading to the marginalization of Indigenous people.
Modern Status
Today, the Flathead Lake tribes have made significant strides in promoting their autonomy and culture. The CSKT is a self-governing body of the Flathead Lake Reservation which also works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the culture, language, and history of their people.
In economic advancements, the tribes established the S&K Electronics manufacturing company. Additionally, the CSKT has owned and operated the former Kerr Dam since 2015, becoming the first tribe in the U.S. to do so. The dam generates a significant income and makes the tribes a powerful stakeholder in the Flathead.
They also engage in the tourism industry of the Flathead Valley. In 2022, the Bison Range and its herds were restored to the ownership of the CSKT, and it is now a valued tourist destination and nature reserve.
Go Sail Montana recognizes the importance of Salish history and Kootenai history and appreciates the tribes for their contributions to the Flathead Valley. We’ve christened our two Catalina Capri 22 sailboats “Salish” and “Kootenai” in their honor. We use these sailboats to teach our popular ASA 101 Sailing Course.