Destination 3

Flathead Indian Reservation

What is the Flathead Indian Reservation?

Flathead Indian reservation

The Flathead Indians are a crucial part of

American culture. They, in fact, are the

‘real’ Americans, the natives who have

been settled on the American continent

longer than any white man. They have

a special love for nature and are quite

peaceful Indians, and are more intelligent

than most people perceive them to be.

The Salish and Lewis and Clark

The Salish tribe came in contact with Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as the two explorers were finding the path toward the west. Their chief, Three Eagles, sighted the armed party and since they were not wearing blankets, he feared they were a war party. The newcomers, Lewis and Clark, approached peacefully, so Three Eagles met them and places a white buffalo robe over the shoulders of their leader. In Lewis and Clark’s journal of their exploration, they referred to the Flathead Indians as Ootlashoots, which is Salish for the Bitterroot River.

The Salish and David Thompson

The Salish met David Thompson, Thompson representing the Northwest Trade Company, and they met at Lake Pend O’Reille. Thompson provided the Indians with firearms and iron-tipped arrowheads in exchange for pelts, dried salmon, and 12 pounds of camas root.

Guns

The guns traded by David Thompson gave the Salish better chances of surviving against their enemy, the Blackfeet.

Thompson

David Thompson traveled 75 miles up the Clark Fork into the area of Montana and built a Salish House trading post during the mild weather in November and December. This house he built was situated on the north bank of the river at a jagged cliff named Back Rock, and this is currently the main center of fur trade in the Flathead country.

Lodging

We have negotiated with the chief of the Salish tribe, Three Eagles, who has agreed to let visitors stay in a few of their huts. Breakfast should be had with the Indians, and so should lunch and dinner. There shall be a meeting point at which visitors should go at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Meals shall be served and are included in the total fee. The average hut can fit up to five people, however, sleeping on the floor is necessary and if one shall need to use the toilet, the tribe has provided an area outside the hut for you. There is a river nearby where you can clean yourself. The Indians do not have showers or toilets, so they go to the river. Think of it as a way to get closer to nature.

Cost

Only two week tours are offered for this package. The total fee for two weeks is $35, with $10 for lodging, $10 for food, $10 for transportation (including ship and horseback), and $5 for the guide. Please bear in mind that these costs are already included in our two travel packages.

Sites and Activities

Horseback riding will be offered as one of the main activities, exploring the Flathead territory, riding through grassland and snow, breathing the fresh air you’ve never breathed before. For people who desire a more exciting experience, some Flathead Indians have offered to take tourists hunting buffalo on horseback. If one should need to learn how to hunt, the Indians are willing to teach visitors for $2 per hour.

Safety

Helmets will be provided while hunting and hiking. The inexperienced traveler is advised to stay within view of our guide at all times while outside. Traveling can be dangerous and so can the wild. We value your safety above all.

Clothing and Medicine

Casual, but relatively warm clothing is advised. The Flatland Indian Territory is a cold area where snow is abundant in the winter. Coats and woollies are advised. Please bring your own blankets, we do not provide blankets or beds. If you should become sick during your stay, we have hired a professional first aid from Sacramento to aid you if minor problems occur. The Indians have also offered to contribute some of their herbs and medicines. If major problems occur, you shall be sent back to Sacramento and doctors there shall help you.