Flathead (Salish), Kootenai and Pend d'Oreille

Many archaeologists believe the Salish and Kootenai were among the first tribes to enter Montana. The Salish are thought to have migrated from the Columbia Plateau and the Kootenai may have lived in Montana since ancient times. The Salishan language group includes the Salish, Kootenai, Pend d'Oreille, Kalispell, and others. The name Flathead originated in the mistaken belief that this group practiced head flattening.

Lewis and Clark encountered 500 Salish at Ross' Hole. They referred to them as Ootlashoots, a band of the Tushepaw nation. The Salishan tribes spoke an entirely different language from any the Corps had encountered.

The expedition had made unsuccessful forays to the Salmon River and through Lost Trail Pass. From the Salish they got directions and were allowed to share what little food the tribe had. The expedition's food supply was nearly exhausted and game in the mountains was very scarce.

Today

Over 4,000 Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille of nearly 7,000 members live on the Flathead Indian Reservation north of Missoula and bordering Flathead Lake. The name Kootenai originated with the French, calling the Ktunaxa and Ksunka, "water people."

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