The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have carried this deep respect for the river. Elders have said that we must honor the land and waters, the plants and animals, the fish and birds. We must keep them clean and abundant — for generations yet to come.

The 33rd Annual River Honoring event be held Monday through Wednesday, May 6-8. It begins with a community-evening event on Monday, May 6 at 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event. Native games and educational stations will be available for the community from 5 to 6 p.m. The 2019 River Honorees will be announced and honored at 6 p.m. and a free dinner will follow.

The River Honoring combines tribal and community resource specialists and educators from the Natural Resources Program. On May 7 and 8, approximately 1,000 students from fourth- and fifth-grade classes from schools both on and off the Flathead Indian Reservation will attend. This two-day outdoor educational event provides students an opportunity to experience the natural and cultural resources of the Lower Flathead River with the focus of protecting and preserving them for future generations.

To attend the River Honoring from the north, turn west at Ronan onto Round Butte Road and drive approximately 8 miles, turn south on Moiese Valley Road and drive approximately 5 miles to the teepee camp along the Lower Flathead River. From the south, turn west under the railroad trestle on Moiese Valley Road from Highway 212, slightly north of the entrance to the National Bison Range. Travel approximately 9 miles to the teepee camp along the Lower Flathead River. Signs will be placed along the road from each direction to help navigatation.

For additional information, call Stephanie Gillin, Information and Education Program or Tom McDonald at 406-883-2888.