Kysuk Kyikyut

(Welcome)

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is one of several bands of Ktunaxa people with traditional territory spanning what is now known as Idaho, Washington, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta. In 1855, the United States met with Kootenai, Salish, and Flathead representatives at Hellgate, Montana, to negotiate a treaty. Notwithstanding the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s absence, the treaty ceded territory that included the Tribe’s portion of Ktunaxa Territory.

 

The Tribe, however, refused to leave its homeland to take allotments on the Flathead Reservation, as the government demanded. While some allotments were granted along the Kootenai River and in the surrounding forested uplands, the United States largely failed to fulfill its responsibilities to the Tribe. After years of neglect, the Tribe declared war on the United States in 1974. The publicity from the War of 1974 drew national attention and resulted in the provision of housing, roads, sewer, water, and electricity. These essential services enabled the Tribe to begin its long journey toward self-determination and self-governance.

 

Today, there are over 170 Kootenai Tribal citizens, most of whom live within Ktunaxa Territory. The Tribe has built a robust government, with departments that administer a range of programs and services, including a Tribal Court, Police Department, Fish and Wildlife Department, and Health Department.

 

Most importantly, the Tribe continues to honor its promise to the Creator. The Covenant remains the supreme law that guides every decision of the Tribe.