About
Interest in and concern about wildlife by tribal people who preceded today’s members of the Selis, Qlispe and Ksanka tribes (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes; CSKT) has existed as long as our individual tribes. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, tribal people survived through the utilization of our natural resources. Wildlife was one of the most important resources for the provision of food, clothing, tools, trade, and raw materials used to fill a variety of basic needs. With the acquisition of horses, our tribes were able to range over a larger area, hunting, gathering, and trading as we moved. During this period, we often moved throughout Montana to hunt buffalo and other wildlife.
The CSKT have always been progressive and proactive in the management and protection of our incredible lands and wildlife resources. Tribal Council actions have resulted in the establishment of the 90,000 acre Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness Area, the first tribal wilderness area. They have also created a Wilderness buffer zone and four Tribal Primitive Areas, as well as thousands of acres of Tribal Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Areas. Special management areas for grizzly bears, elk and bighorn sheep have also been created within the Flathead Reservation. In addition, the CSKT has been very proactive in protecting the clean air and waters of their reservation.
