The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes celebrated Indigenous Peoples' Day with a Beartracks Celebration Powwow in Missoula at Caras Park on Monday.  

Martin Charlo, the secretary for the CSKT Tribal Council and representative of the Pablo District, explained that it all started four years ago when Higgins Avenue bridge was rededicated as the Beartracks Bridge to honor the Bitterroot Salish, and the tribe had a celebration powwow. The Bitterroot Salish people crossed this area of the Clark Fork River when they were escorted to the Flathead Reservation and forced out of their homeland in 1891.  

“This is where our ancestors crossed during that forced march, and this is our homeland,” Charlo said. “Definitely being down here reconnects us with the land, reminds the community members of our presence here.”  

Charlo said the date of Indigenous Peoples’ Day almost aligns with the exact date the Bitterroot Salish were forcibly removed from their homeland.  

“Part of this was to remember our history but not living in the past. So, the elders, when we first did this, they wanted this to be a celebration of our resilience,” Charlo said. “That's really what we're trying to highlight. Our people are still here. We're thriving and remind the public down here that we're still here.”  

Charlo explained that the tribe added the event to their annual budget and plans to continue this event in partnership with the Missoula Downtown Association. This was an inter-tribal event that welcomed all indigenous people and community members to join in the celebration.  

Jocko Hendrickson said he is a direct descendant of Chief Charlo who made efforts to protect their homeland during the forced removal. Hendrickson said this is an important event to honor his ancestors and one of the last times they can celebrate for the rest of the year as the weather gets colder.  

Tribal members danced in their regalia and celebrated. CSKT also invited community members to dance with them. Charlo said local community connections are important and invited the Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis to speak.  

“I'm incredibly humbled and honored to be welcomed to the celebration, and you have my commitment as the mayor of the city of Missoula to continue our relationship and our lasting working relationship between city government here, working alongside other local governments and the tribal nations in our area,” Davis said on stage.  

She explained how important it is to continue to find ways to make meaningful relationships to build the future together.  

Multiple vendors joined the event selling Indigenous jewelry and art. However, due to the weather they had to move the vendors inside the pavilion tent, which was overflowing with people.  

Jenny Mish with the Solidarity Program, which is a program of Salish & Kootenai Housing Authority, said she was honored as a Missoulian to see the tribe put so much energy into the community.  

“It’s a really generous invitation into a relationship,” Mish said. 

Regardless of the cold windy weather, Charlo said he was pleasantly surprised by attendance.  

    Jocko Hendrickson who is a direct descendant of Chief Charlo said this Beartracks Celebration Powwow is an important event to honor his ancestors. (Emily Messer/Lake County Leader)

    Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis spoke at the Beartracks Celebration Powwow about how important the relationships between different governments and the tribal nations. (Emily Messer/Leader)   Tribal members dressed in traditional Native American moccasins. (Emily Messer/Leader)   Will Mesteth plays the drum during the Beartracks Celebration Powwow at Caras Park on Oct. 13. (Emily Messer/Lake County Leader)