Amelia Trice facts for kids

Amelia "Amy" Cutsack Trice (April 26, 1936 – July 21, 2011) was an important Native American leader from Idaho. She was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Amy Trice became the chairwoman of the Kootenai Tribal Council. In 1974, while she was leading the council, the Kootenai tribe took a bold step. They declared what was called "war" on the United States of America. This was a way to get attention for their community's needs.

Why the Kootenai Took Action

In the 1930s, the Kootenai people lived in tipis near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Their land, which was set aside for them, had been taken away over time. This was managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

A local doctor helped them get eighteen houses built. These homes had running water, but no bathrooms. A community center was built to provide bathing facilities for everyone.

By the 1970s, not much had changed for the Kootenai people. The Bureau of Indian Affairs said the tribe was too small to get help from the government. Amy Trice decided it was time to do something to improve their lives.

The Kootenai's Peaceful Protest

On September 20, 1974, the Kootenai's "war" began. It was a peaceful protest to highlight their struggles. Tribal members set up information booths. They also asked for a small 10-cent toll on U.S. Highway 95 near Bonners Ferry.

Amy Trice later shared what happened next. The state police arrived with strong gear. But the Kootenai's tribal office had no weapons, only a fly swatter.

Amy Trice had a plan to get more support. She was ready to call the American Indian Movement (AIM) for help. AIM was a well-known group that had recently been involved in a major protest at Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

Success of the Protest

The Kootenai's actions quickly got attention. Within just a few weeks, their protest worked. The tribe received an agreement and land from the federal government. This was a big win for the Kootenai people.

Preserving Kootenai Culture

Amy Trice was also very dedicated to keeping Kootenai culture alive. She worked hard to preserve their traditional beliefs and ways of life. She enjoyed playing the stick game, a traditional Native American game.

Even in her 60s, she stayed active and took up water aerobics. Amy Trice was a founding member of the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT). This organization works to support Native American tribes in the region.

She also received important awards for her work. These included the Women of Color Alliance Breaking Barriers for Women of Color in Idaho Award. She also got the Chairman's Award from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes.