Kalispel Girl

Note: Kalispel girl in ceremonial dress wrapped braids, white stripes painted on hair, shell disk earrings, wearing blanket.
The Pend d?Oreille, also known as the Kalispel, are Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Plateau. Today many of them live in Montana and eastern Washington. The Kalispel peoples referred to their primary tribal range as Kaniksu.
Their traditional territory was reaching up and down the drainage systems of the Flathead River, Clark Fork, and Pend Oreille rivers. It extended from roughly present-day Plains, Montana, westward along the Clark Fork River, to Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake in Idaho, and the Pend Oreille River (Ntxwe, meaning “river”) in eastern Washington and into British Columbia (Canada).
They traditionally lived in many bands – originally, probably eleven bands – in their historic lands and are generally divided geographically and culturally in two groupings:
The “upstream people” or Upper Kalispel (or “Upper Pend d?Oreille”) are commonly referred to as the Pend d’Oreille. They were also known as Kullyspelm or Ql?isp? (“Camas People”) and are now enrolled in the federally recognized Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation in Montana.
And the “downstream people” or Lower Kalispel (or “Lower Pend d?Oreille”) are commonly referred to as the Kalispel. They were also known as Silkatkmlschi or S?q?etk?ms?in?t (“People Living along the Shore of the Broad Water”), because they were based around Flathead Lake (??q??tk? – “Broad Water”). Today they are enrolled in the Kalispel Tribe of Indians in Washington and some families are part of the Coeur d?Alene Tribe in Idaho.
Some Kalispel are enrolled in the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in eastern Washington. Prior to colonization by European-Americans, Chewelah was home to a band of the Lower Kalispel people. The band was known as the Slet??w?si, meaning “valley people”. The Chewelah Band of Indians is currently part of the Spokane Tribe of Indians of Washington.
Are you seeking a unique and exquisite piece of art that beautifully captures the essence of indigenous culture? Look no further than this Kalispel Girl portrait, a painting that pays homage to the rich heritage and timeless beauty of the Kalispel Tribe.
Inspired by the grace and strength of the Kalispel women, this portrait skillfully blends artistic skill with cultural significance. It is a celebration of the tribe’s deep-rooted traditions, their connection to nature, and their profound spiritual beliefs. Each stroke of the brush reveals the captivating story behind the Kalispel Girl, immersing you in a world of heritage and culture.
What makes the Kalispel Girl portrait truly special is its ability to serve as a powerful conversation starter. Displaying this artwork in your home or office creates a captivating focal point that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of any space but also sparks engaging discussions about indigenous cultures, their contributions, and the importance of preserving their heritage.
Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of art that goes beyond aesthetics, connecting you to the rich tapestry of indigenous heritage. Embrace the timeless beauty of the Kalispel Girl portrait, and let its power and significance enrich your life and the lives of those around you.