Tribal History

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The Ktunaxa Nation was composed of several bands that inhabited all of Ktunaxa Territory, what is now northwest Montana, north Idaho, northeast Washington, southeast British Columbia (B.C.), and southwest Alberta. The bands were separately governed but frequently interacted and regularly intermarried. Each band was responsible for honoring the Covenant with the Creator within its primary area of responsibility in the larger Ktunaxa Territory.

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When the International Boundary Commission arrived in Ktunaxa Territory, its surveyors became lost and ran out of food. The Ktunaxa people helped them navigate the region, showed them safe trails, and provided food. Despite this assistance, the international boundary between the United States and Canada was drawn through the heart of Ktunaxa Territory.

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In 1855, the Kootenai, Salish, and Flathead people were called to a treaty session in Hellgate, Montana, to negotiate the cession of land to the U.S. government. The Salish and Upper Kootenai Tribes entered into the treaty, which resulted in the cession of most of Ktunaxa Territory and the creation of the Flathead Reservation for the newly established Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

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The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho did not participate in the negotiations or sign the treaty. Nevertheless, the treaty ceded territory that included the Tribe’s portion of Ktunaxa Territory.

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When U.S. Indian agents later recognized that the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho was a separate and distinct group from those who had signed the treaty, they traveled to Bonners Ferry to discuss its implications. During these meetings, the agents tried to force the Tribe to relocate to the Flathead Reservation. Some members accepted the relocation; others crossed the international boundary into B.C. and joined nearby villages.

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The rest of the Kootenai people refused to leave. For several years, they resisted relocation with practical objections—such as poor weather conditions or insufficient food for the journey. In 1908, the Indian agents relented and allowed the Tribe to remain in the area. Allotments were provided along the Kootenai River and in the surrounding uplands.

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Despite continued hunting, fishing, and gathering throughout their territory, life became increasingly difficult. Privately owned land and declining harvests reduced opportunities for subsistence. The U.S. government largely withheld services in an effort to pressure the Tribe to relocate. In the 1930s, part of a Kootenai allotment was taken to build a day school and housing in an area known as the Mission.

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In the decades that followed, conditions worsened. The federal government continued to neglect the Tribe, and jobs were scarce. The population fell to around 67 members. Housing deteriorated so badly that one elder froze to death in his government-provided home.

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In response to these hardships, on September 20, 1974, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho declared war on the United States. The Tribe made clear this was a peaceful war—there would be no guns or violence. Conversations with the Boundary County Sheriff and local residents ensured that peace was maintained. Tribal members manned symbolic “roadblocks,” asking drivers to purchase “war bonds” and learn about the Kootenai Tribe’s struggle.

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The publicity from the War of 1974 got the attention of the United States government. In response, the government provided new homes, roads, sewer systems, water, and electricity. A ceasefire was reached, and the Kootenai Tribe began its long journey toward self-determination.

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Today, the Kootenai Tribe takes great pride in its self-governance and sovereignty. The Tribe has entered into Self-Governance Compacts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, enabling it to operate programs, services, functions, and activities the United States is otherwise obligated to provide.

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The Tribe has a robust government, with many departments carrying out its programs and services, including a Tribal Court, Police Department, Fish and Wildlife Department, and Health Department.

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Most importantly, the Kootenai Tribe continues to honor its promise to Kwiǂqa Nupika. The Covenant remains the supreme law that guides every decision of the Tribal government.