Traditional territories of the Confederated Tribes covered over 20 million acres.
The 1855 Treaty of Hellgate established the 1.314 million acre Flathead Indian Reservation.
In the Hellgate Treaty, the Tribes reserved these lands for the exclusive use and
benefit of the Salish, Pend d'Orielle, and Kootenai Tribes. Through the years, the
Tribes lost over a million acres of reserved lands. Today, approximately 61% of the
reserved lands are owned and managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
The Flathead Indian Reservation overlaps Lake County, Flathead County, Missoula County,
and Sanders County.
MSU Extension, Flathead Reservation Advisory Committee
- Diane Grant, Chairwoman
- Leroy Dumontier, Vice Chair
- Oliver Dupuis
- Maggie Goode
- Jerry Hamel
- Anita Matt
Purpose
The Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) supports extension agents
on American Indian Reservations and Tribal jurisdictions to address the unique needs
and problems of American Indian Tribal Nations. Emphasis is placed on assisting American
Indians in the development of profitable farming and ranching techniques, providing
4-H and youth development experiences for Tribal youth, and providing outreach on
Tribally-identified priorities using a culturally sensitive approach, such as family
resource management and nutrition.
Program Goals:
- Continue to enhance Tribal member participation in agriculture including awareness
of environmental stewardship and natural resources
- Enhance and increase economic opportunities for agricultural producers to improve
their quality of life and sustain their ranches and farms
- Improve nutrition and health of consumers while protecting local food supplies by
connecting consumers with local and traditional food sources
- Help youth develop good decision making and leadership skills, and provide opportunities
to improve their technical skills.
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