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 Native American tribe located in Washington. They are part of the Lower Kalispel people and are officially recognized by the U.S. government. They are also known as an Indigenous people from the Northwest Plateau region.
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The Kalispel Reservation
The Kalispel Reservation is the homeland of the Kalispel people. It is located near Usk in Pend Oreille County, Washington. The reservation was created in 1914 and covers about 4,557 acres (18.44 square kilometers) of land.
How the Tribe is Governed
The Kalispel tribe's main office is in Cusick, Washington. The tribe is led by a tribal council with five members. These members are chosen by the tribe's people through a vote.
Voting for Leaders
All adult tribal members (over 18) can vote in an election held every year on the first Friday of June. Council members are elected for three-year terms. People must vote in person; there is no voting by mail. After the council members are elected, they vote among themselves to choose who will be the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The Chairman usually does not vote on tribal matters unless there is a tie.
Current Leaders
- Chairman: Glen Nenema
- Vice-Chairman: Curt Holmes
- Secretary: Betty Jo Piengkham
- Council Member: Nicholas Pierre
- Council Member: Sonny Bigsmoke
Glen Nenema has been the Chairman for over 40 years. He is the longest-serving tribal chairman in the United States.
Language of the Kalispel People
For many years, the Kalispel people spoke the Kalispel language. This language is part of a group called Interior Salish languages. Today, many Kalispel people also speak English.
A Look at Kalispel History
It is believed that the Kalispel people originally came from British Columbia in Canada. In the 1700s, another group of people, the Niitsitapi, pushed them from the Great Plains area. The Kalispel then settled near the Pend d'Oreille River and Lake Pend Oreille. The city of Kalispell, Montana is named after this tribe.
In 1809, an explorer named David Thompson opened a trading post in their land. Later, in the 1840s, a Roman Catholic mission was started. Some Kalispel people, known as the Upper Kalispel, were later moved to a reservation in Montana. However, the Lower Kalispel people stayed on their traditional lands in Washington.
In 1872, the U.S. government offered a treaty to the tribe, but they refused to sign it. By 1875, there were only 395 Lower Kalispel people. People who were not Native American began claiming land on the reservation. This made it hard for tribal members to find jobs or make a living. In 1965, the average income for a tribal member was very low, and the entire tribe only had one telephone.
How the Tribe Creates Jobs
The Kalispel Tribe has worked hard to create jobs and opportunities for its members.
Northern Quest Resort & Casino
The Tribe owns and runs the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights, Washington. This resort has many places to eat, like Masselow's Steakhouse and EPIC Sports Bar. It also has places for fun, such as the Turf Club Sports Book and La Rive Spa. There are also areas for kids, like Kids Quest and Cyber Quest.
Fatburger Restaurants
The Tribe also owns the rights to open Fatburger restaurants in Eastern Washington and Western Montana. They opened a Fatburger restaurant inside their casino in 2009.
