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The End of Chiefdom

March 18, 2022 by Volunteer Curator

When we think of Native American tribes and their history we often conjure up images of great Chiefs, donning their elaborately beaded clothing and headdresses.  But do we ever think about why we no longer see them today?

Chief Koostatah Big Knife (1856-1942), Chief of the Ksanka (Kootenai) tribe belonging to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe of the Flathead Reservation in Montana, was the last formally recognized Chief for his tribe, along with Chief Martin Charlo (1856-1941), of the Selis (Salish) and Chief Mose Michell (1885-1944), of the Qlispe (Pend d’Oreille) tribes.  When Congress passed the Indian Reorganization Act in 1934, the Flathead Reservation was the first to reorganize under a tribal council and sovereign government, thus dissolving formal Chieftainship.  Chief Koostatah remained on the tribal council until his death in 1942.  Baptiste Mathias replaced him informally in order to continue on the ceremonial traditions of the Kootenai people.  He passed away in 1966, sadly ending a great era of Native American Chiefdom in the United States.

Click here to see photos of Chief Koostatah’s moccassins on display at the Museum, along with many other photos of moccasins in our online catalog.

 

 

Filed Under: Articles, Stories from Bud

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This is one of the most exquisite displays of Euro/Indian cultural meeting I’ve seen. Beautifully organized and displayed — Connie, Gig Harbor, WA

Very thoughtful narrative and photos and artwork. Good to hear detail told in its timeline. Wish I had more time to spend. Thank you — Penny, Grand Rapids, MI

What a wonderful introduction to the people of the area and their history. Thank you. — Adam, Worcester, MA

Learned so much about local Native American tribes. Extremely interesting. — Bernadette, Bennington, VT

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Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana

69316 Highway 93 Charlo, MT 59824

Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana is a 501(c)3 non-profit located in rural Northwest Montana. Donations are tax deductible.

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