Ronan Pioneer, March 30, 1972

Tribal fishing rights

Dear Editor:

I was out fishing last year in Flathead Lake. Fishing without license issued by anyone and fishing beyond the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation. My fishing companions were not tribal members and of course, they had in their possession a valid Montana Fishing License.

These friends were extremely impressed at my explanation of why I, as a member of this tribe, could fish in any waters anytime I wished. This right was retained by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in the Hellgate Treaty of 1885.

My explanation was very brief, I explained that the negotiator for the United States was Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Territory of Washington, Isaac I. Stevens, and that this portion of Western Montana was in the territory of Washington in 1855.

Many treaties negotiated with Indian tribes in the Pacific Northwest retained the right to fish in accustomed fishing areas by all of the Indians in common in the year of 1855.

I further explained to my friends that my right to fish free of a license from any state that was in the territory of Washington in the year of 1855 was retained by the Chiefs who negotiated the treaty for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

– E.W. Morigeau

Ronan Maidens track team starts 1972 season practice

The Ronan Maidens Track Team began practice March 15 for the 1972 track season. After losing most of last year's team members, this year's program will be a building year for the girls team.

Leading the returning letter winners will be Chris Clairmont, a junior. Chris was the 1970 State Champion in the mile and last year lead the second place 880 medley team to their outstanding performance. Chris will be concentrating on the 440-yard dash this year plus running on the relays.

Other letter winners returning are Nadine Clairmont, Diane Mathern, Diane Rody and Susan Dake.

An excellent group of freshmen will be the nucleus for this year’s team. Some of the talent in this group are Terry Camel, Ann Knutson, Marla Ingraham and Ramona Maughan. Several other good freshmen prospects, along with some newcomers in the top three grades, will push these girls to make the team.

Approximately 30 girls are practicing from 3:30 to 5 p.m. daily. The first meet is April 7 in Missoula.

Coaching the team this year is David Edington, head coach; Linda Whited shot, discus, javelin and special weight relays; Edie Hall, long jump, high jump and hurdles; and Marilynn Tanner, the running events. Mrs. Hall will also work with grades one through five and Miss Whited will coach grades six, seven and eight.

Good News film scheduled for Polson April 5

A special film presentation will be shown Wednesday, April 5, in the Lincoln Auditorium in Polson at 7:30 p.m.

This television film of personal testimonies of Christian laymen will be a preview of the "Good News" series based on the Walter Cronkite format to be telecast later this year.

Paul Toberty, a California businessman and director of the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International, will conduct the program. Toberty was also the dDirector of the 1967 Vietnam Airlift when Christian men traveled to Vietnam and witnessed to servicemen.

There will be no charge for this presentation sponsored by the Polson Chapter of Full Gospel Businessmen. The public is invited to view this film and see how people’s lives are being enriched and changed through a new relationship with God.