1846 Paul Kane (1810–1871) Flathead Woman and Child
The mountainous homeland of the Fathead's original territory extended from the crest of the Bitterroot Range to the Continental Divide of the Rocky Mountains and centered on the upper reaches of the Clark Fork of the Columbia River. In the early 19C they lived in the Bitterroot River valley, although later by treaty they moved to northern Montana. The Flathead peoples now live on a tract of land south of Flathead Lake, Montana, which they share with the Kootenai tribe.
As with other tribes, such as the Gros Ventre, the name Flathead is a misnomer. It is reported that unlike their kin in the Columbia River valley, the Flathead did not practice skull alterations, although, the painting above seems to represent the opposite.
Tradition relates that the Flathead Native Indians adopted the custom of changing their appearance as they believed it made them look distinct from other Native American tribes. It was believed that the process was painless and did not affect their mental capabilities. It was seen as an act of caring for a new baby and ensuring they were seen as new members of the community in which they lived. It was a sign of status, identification and of prestige. Although the people who made up the groups of Flathead Native Indians were generally peaceful, on the occasions they fought with others it was their practice to take slaves. Flathead slaves were never allowed to adopt the process of changing the appearance of their children.
The Flathead had close ties to the Lemhi Shoshone, and even spent part of the year with them. Their traditional enemies were the Blackfeet, who prevented the Flathead from expanding their territory eastward. These two tribes were in ongoing struggles when Lewis and Clark first arrived in the region.
The Lemhi Shoshone had told the expedition they might encounter the Flathead as they passed through the Bitterroots. But it was quite by accident that the meeting happened. A Flathead chief, Three Eagles, saw the expedition first and returned to his group to warn them of the approach. When the Lewis and Clark Corps finally came upon the 33 lodges, they found themselves warmly greeted by the Indians.
Lewis and Clark noted that the Flathead resembled the Lemhi Shoshone in clothing, hairstyle, and actions, but differed greatly in language. At one point John Ordway, one of the expedition members, wondered if the language difference indicated that the Corps had located the mythical lost Welsh Indians. The myth said that long-lost Welsh Prince Madoc discovered America before Columbus. From the Lewis & Clark Expedition Journals, John Ordway wrote, September 4, 1805, "these natives have the Stranges language of any we have ever yet seen. ...we think perhaps that they are the welch Indians, &. C."
The Flathead now live on a tract of land south of Flathead Lake, Montana, which they share with the Kootenai tribe.
