The Kootenai Tribe
The Lower Kootenai Tribe is one of six bands of the Kootenai Nation, encompassing North Idaho, northwest Montana and southeastern British Columbia. The Kootenai were affiliated socially with the neighboring Flathead, Kalispell and Pend Oreilles. In the 1855 Hellgate Treaty, these tribes ceded to the United States all the land they occupied or claimed in exchange for reservations. However, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho was not represented at the treaty, and so did not acquire any land.
Now known as the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the tribe gained international attention on Sept. 20, 1975 when it formally declared war on the United States. As a result, the tribe acquired a small reservation. Although the Kootenai Tribe maintains its native language, religion and other cultural elements, it has also made inroads into the modern world. In 1986 the Tribe built the Kootenai River Inn, a 52-unit waterfront, luxury motel in Bonners Ferry. In 1993, they expanded the motel and added bingo and gaming machines. In 1991 the Tribe built the Kootenai Tribal Sturgeon Hatchery.
Right: The inland aquatic round of the Kootenai was heavily dependent upon seasonal fish runs. The development of the Kootenai "sturgeon-nosed" canoe, gaff fishing, weir and line fishing reveal a gathering/fishing way of life that continues to this day. Contemporary Kootenai are raising white sturgeon in their hatchery in an attempt to keep this important species from extinction.
