Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation facts for kids
Lake Pend Oreille, traditional Kalispel homeland
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| over 400 enrolled members | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Washington) |
|
| Languages | |
| Kalispel language, English | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Kalispel/Pend d'Oreilles peoples, Chewelah people |
The Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation is a special group of Native American people. They are known as the Lower Kalispel and live in Washington State. This community is officially recognized by the United States government.
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Exploring the Kalispel Reservation
The Kalispel Reservation is the homeland of the Lower Kalispel people. It is found near Usk in Pend Oreille County, Washington. The reservation was established in 1914. It covers about 4,557 acres (or 18.44 square kilometers) of land.
How the Kalispel Community is Led
The main office for the Kalispel Tribe is in Cusick, Washington. The community is guided by a special group called the tribal council. This council has five members who are chosen by the people. Every year, on the first Friday of June, adult members of the tribe vote for their leaders. These leaders serve for three years.
After the election, the council members choose who will be the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The Chairman helps lead discussions. They only vote if there is a tie on important decisions.
The Kalispel Language
For many generations, the Kalispel people spoke their own special language. It is called the Kalispel language. This language is part of a larger group known as the Interior Salish languages.
A Look at Kalispel History
Historians believe the Kalispel people originally came from an area now known as British Columbia. Long ago, in the 1700s, another group of people, the Niitsitapi, caused them to move. The Kalispel settled near the Pend d'Oreille River and Lake Pend Oreille. Did you know the city of Kalispell, Montana got its name from this tribe?
In 1809, an explorer named David Thompson set up a trading post in their lands. Later, in the 1840s, a Roman Catholic mission was started. Over time, some Kalispel people, known as the Upper Kalispel, moved to a reservation in Montana. However, the Lower Kalispel stayed in their traditional lands in Washington.
The Kalispel Tribe showed great strength. In 1872, they chose not to sign a treaty with the US government. By 1875, there were about 395 Lower Kalispel people. Over the years, other people started claiming parts of their land. It was a challenging time for the tribe. In 1965, life was still difficult, with limited ways to earn money.
