From the Archives - Dec 11, 2025

"Chief Moses Osay Joseph, perhaps the last of the old generation Kootenai elders, died Friday December 12 (1975) in Bonners Ferry. One of the highlights of his life was on May 5, 1974 when he was elevated to the office of Chief of the Kootenai Tribe. In a special ceremony held at the Mission on that date, none other than Bishop Sylvester Treinen, head of the Catholic Diocese of Idaho, pronounced his blessing on the Chief.

Chief Moses Joseph was born April 2, 1903 near Mission Hill in the Kootenai Valley. His parents were Osay Chiquiet (Medicine Man) and Anastasia Abraham Joseph. He attended the St. Michaels school at the Kootenai Mission about 1915. His formal education was limited to the first and second grades, taught by Arthur Fisher. He was well versed in tribal history and lore of his people and was an authority on Kootenai ways and customs.

Chief Joseph was preceded in death by his first and second wives, and seven of his eight children. A daughter, Mrs. Adrian (Louisa) Birdstone, resides near Cranbrook. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Josephine Seamor, Clarkston; and five grandchildren." ~ Bonners Ferry Herald, December 18, 1975

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column.

Visit the museum, Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., or visit the website at boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 208-267-7720.