Flathead Transit
Missoula • Pablo • Kalispell • Whitefish
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
For Inform mation Ca all • We eekd dayss: 406-275-2792 • We eeke end ds 406-675-500
10:00 AM
Bison Range celebrates reclamation Story and Photos by Kristi Niemeyer For the Valley Journal
MOIESE — At the Bison Range near Moiese, life goes on much as it has for millennia, with sunny clumps of arrowleaf balsamroot carpeting hillsides and babies of all species taking their first staggering steps. For members of the Confederated Salish and Tribes, however, a monumental shift has taken place, with the Tribes regaining ownership of the 18,800-acre wildlife refuge from the federal government. Nowhere is that change more apparent than at the Visitors’ Center. Stephanie Gillin, information and education program manager for the Natural Resource Department, has taken the lead in revamping the interpretive area to accurately reflect the history of the range and the people who called this place home well before Lewis & Clark arrived. Her vision, and that of tribal elders, was unveiled Mother’s Day weekend when Red Sleep Drive officially opened
for the season and will be on full display from May 20 to 22 during a three-day “Bison Range Restoration Celebration,” honoring the long-sought transfer of the range from federal to tribal stewardship. “This monumental day has been a long time coming,” said CSKT Tribal Chairman Tom McDonald. “This day not only represents the righting of a terrible time in our U.S. history, but also represents much needed healing for our people and our ancestors.” The change from federal to tribal ownership was authorized by the Montana Water Rights Protection Act, signed into law Dec. 27, 2020. The Tribes assumed full management on Jan. 2, after working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over a year to ensure a smooth transition. The Restoration Celebration kicks off Friday, May 20, with Tribal Member and Community Day at the Bison Range. Festivities open at 10 a.m. with a prayer and honor song delivered by
Pablo
52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo 406-275-2792 • Weekends 406-675-5000
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20750 US Hwy 93, Missoula• 406-275-2792
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92345 US Hwy 93, Arlee• 406-275-2792
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27330 US Hwy 93, Ravalli• 406-275-2792
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240 Mnt View Dr, St. Ignatius• 406-275-2792
Evaro Arlee
Ravalli
Saint Ignatius Pablo •
52001 US Hwy 93
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Weekdays: 406-275-2792 • Weekends 406-675-5000
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49708 US Hwy 93, Polson• 406-275-2792
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7170 US Hwy 93, Pablo• 406-275-2792
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Lakeside
Kalispell / Evergreen
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2076 US Hwy 2 W, Evergreen• 406-275-2792
3:10 PM
#9 Spokane Ave., Whitefish• 406-275-2792
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Weekdays: 406-275-2792 •call Weekends 406-675-500 For more information Flathead Transit
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see page 8
Valley Journal
May 18, 2022 - 7
