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Governor Schweitzer pays a visit to the Flathead Reservation

By Alyssa Kelly

Governor Brian Schweitzer listened to a public response during a meeting with the Tribes in the council chambers while councilman Charles "Charlie" Morigeau and Chairman James Steele, Jr., watched. (Alyssa Kelly photo)

PABLO - "I'm not here to dictate how council handles situations," said Montana's Governor Schweitzer as he addressed Tribal Council and several spectators. "I'm here as a friend. You guys bring me good ideas and I'll implement them. I can't do this alone. I depend on my friends for ideas to help Montana."

Governor Schweitzer visited the Tribes last week to discuss updates on issues regarding CSKT and the state. Some issues discussed included the pending water rights negotiation, in which the Schweitzer expressed his support for the negotiation process and recognized the technicalities involving the Tribes' treaty rights in the situation.

The Tribes' economic success was also a topic of discussion, particularly S&K Technologies as well as tribal gaming. "I appreciate the difference in revenue sharing," said Schweitzer. "Gaming will make change in moving forward for tribes."

A self-proclaimed clean and green energy enthusiast, Schweitzer took particular interest in the Tribes' plans to utilize its natural energy resources on the reservation. Being as the Tribes are preparing obtain complete management of Kerr Dam in the near future, Tribal Chairman James Steele Jr. explained the dam's significance as a sustainable clean energy resource.

Schweitzer explained his research on Pennsylvania Power and his plans to expand Montana's energy distribution with transmission lines that will run east to west and help power areas from Phoenix to Las Vegas. He suggested the tribes get involved as the energy demand is increasing on the west coast.

"We all have an opportunity to build clean and green energy," said Schweitzer. "We can attract areas with growing populations to work with us. The majority of the population on the Flathead reservation is relatively young and you can train college students for positions needed to make this project possible. This opportunity is only to transfer energy but it is good for providing domestic jobs."

The group discussed the Tribes' successful first-time involvement in exercising their treaty rights by participating in a recent buffalo hunt on open and unclaimed areas of Yellowstone National Park, which is part of the Tribe's aboriginal hunting grounds.

While park officials have made allegations against the Nez Perce tribe, whom also have treaty rights to the area, for conducting the hunt in a less than pleasing manner, CSKT was praised for abiding by the regulations set forth as hunters.

"There are some issues that our tribes stand alone on as far as our beliefs, culture, and values," said standing Vice-Chair Steve Lozar. "Sometimes we're lumped together as 'Indians' but we're unique and of ourselves. We're known for helping our brothers and sisters from other tribes and I hope that our Nez Perce extended family can work with the state to clear out their issues."

Councilman Rueben Mathias expressed his concerns regarding the Rock Creek, Chicago Peak mining project due to cultural ties the Kootenai tribe has to the area.

"The project is a long ways a way if not at all," assured Schweitzer. "I know that the area you're talking about is a protected area and the company will need to demonstrate no disruptions to the environment in order to work on the other side."

From an environmental science perspective, Schweitzer explained that when mining was conducted in the past, the effects on the environment were hazardous and could cause the PH balance in the water to be as strong as battery acid. "I learn about culture everyday and I'm very respectful when it comes to cultural sensitivity," said Schweitzer.

The meeting closed on a positive note and the governor was pleased with his visit to the Flathead Reservation. Both Schweitzer and Tribal Council expressed their enthusiasm for working with each other in the future on issues between the state and tribal governments. "It gives us great strength to say we're proud of our Native people," said Schweitzer. "We have a beautiful state and I love it."