The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is the center for complete health care. The Kalispel Tribe lives in harmony with nature and is a recognized leader in wildlife habitats and fish hatcheries.

We are highly successful business people who have expanded our land base to help create ample housing opportunities and meaningful employment for our people, many of whom are self-employed. With community members involved in leadership at all levels, students are assisted and encouraged to pursue individual and community goals. Working with both children and adults, the system provides a well-rounded education that includes tribal history and culture. The Kalispel people are highly educated with the Kalispel and Cusick schools preparing community members to attend institutions of higher learning. Our children are raised in a caring environment and grow up to lead responsible and productive lives. Our traditions have taught us cultural pride, and working together continues the advancement of our people. “The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is rich in heritage. In 1991, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians drafted it’s first Vision Statement, a document that would define the framework for their success for years to come: The Tribe’s pioneering spirit, combined with sheer determination, resiliency and community cohesiveness, has allowed the Tribe to overcome many difficult circumstances. With most of the land on the Reservation unsuitable for development, the Tribe has had to develop innovative ways to create opportunity for Tribal members. The Kalispel Tribe of Indians has faced several challenges associated with life in remote rural areas, such as unemployment, inadequate housing, limited economic opportunities, and prejudice. The average annual income for a Tribal member was approximately $1,400.

In 1965, only a couple of homes on the reservation had running water and there was only one telephone for the Tribe.

This time period also introduced the widespread use of alcohol, which many consider to be a fundamental source of the breakdown of the family unit.įor generations, Kalispel members remained trapped in a subsistence environment. Many of the white settlers filed claims under the Homestead Act in order to “legally” obtain land which was rightfully home for much of the Tribe. From 1880 to 1910, as more white settlers moved into Kalispel territory, the Tribe witnessed its land disappearing but could do nothing to prevent it. By 1875, the Tribal population had shrunk to only 395 people.

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