About Us
WHO WE ARE
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Guardians of the Land
The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is one of six modern-day governments of the Ktunaxa Nation, which consisted of several bands of Ktunaxa people across what is now known as Idaho, Washington, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta. In 1974, after declaring war on the United States, the Tribe secured 12.5 acres of trust lands for its citizens. Since then, the Tribe has expanded its influence over a wide area of its traditional territory.
Tribal citizens are committed to honoring the Covenant with the Creator and maintaining their culture through environmental stewardship, preservation of sacred sites, and cultural resource protection.
The Hellgate Treaty of 1855: A Stand Against Displacement
In 1855, the United States called representatives of the Kootenai, Salish and Flathead to Hellgate in Montana to negotiate a treaty. While the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho was not represented in the treaty negotiations, the Treaty ultimately ceded all of Ktunaxa Territory on the United States side of the international boundary.
After multiple attempts by the United States’ Indian Agent to remove them to the Flathead Reservation pursuant to the Treaty, the United States government ultimately allotted lands to Kootenai Tribe of Idaho members in the Kootenai Valley in what is now known as Idaho.
Importantly, the Treaty reserved to the Kootenai the right to hunt and gather on open and unclaimed land and fish at usual and accustomed fishing places. The United States, Idaho and Montana have recognized that the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho also retains these inherent rights recognized by the Treaty.
Unfortunately, many of the Treaty species are endangered or threatened. The Kootenai Tribe is dedicated to restoring and protecting these resources for the generations to come.
Guardians of the Land: The Kootenai Tribe of Northern Idaho
Today, this Northern Idaho tribe consists of over 150 members who are dedicated to advancing the development of natural environments in the area and safeguarding the land given to them by their Creator.
